This Christmas, help a family facing meningitis by dedicating a ribbon in memory of someone special.
Every year, we remember those who have lost their lives to meningitis by adorning our Tree of Remembrance at Gloucester Cathedral with ribbons carrying personal messages of love and remembrance.
Will you dedicate a ribbon to a loved one this Christmas?
By returning your ribbon and making a donation, you can help Meningitis Now support families facing life after meningitis and work towards a future where no one has to face the impact of this devastating disease alone.
Make your donation and dedicate a ribbon today.
Join us at our Carol Concert
On 24 November, we'll gather at Gloucester Cathedral for our annual Meningitis Now Carol Concert, where hundreds of white ribbons will adorn our beautiful Tree of Remembrance.
Each ribbon carries a personal message of love, hope and remembrance. You can dedicate a ribbon in memory of someone you love, or in support of those affected by meningitis.
To ensure your ribbon is displayed on the Tree of Remembrance at the concert, please return your completed ribbon to Meningitis Now by 20 November.
We'd love you to join us for this special occasion. Purchase your tickets here.
Remember your loved one at home
You can also order a ribbon to wear, hang on your Christmas tree or display somewhere special at home. A simple ribbon can be a meaningful way to remember someone you love throughout the festive season.
Our Virtual Ribbon Tree also offers a special online space to remember your loved one. Create a dedication that you, your family and friends can revisit and share at any time.
Create your virtual ribbon dedication.
Ben's story
Last Christmas, Ben's brother Rob and his family were together celebrating the holidays. They had no idea that just a few weeks later, their lives would change forever.
In January 2026, Ben died from meningitis aged just 34, while on honeymoon in Mexico with his wife, Kate. Ben had been seriously unwell for nine days, and despite fighting with all his strength, the damage caused by the illness was too severe.
Ben was a kind soul with a heart full of love. Rob remembers his brother as someone who never had a bad word to say about anyone, with a zest for life that was truly infectious.
As the family faces its first Christmas without Ben, the support of Meningitis Now has helped them navigate their grief. From the understanding of our nurse-led Helpline to practical help towards Ben's funeral costs through our Rebuilding Futures Fund, that support has made a real difference at an incredibly difficult time.
Rob and his family will be joining us at the Carol Concert at Gloucester Cathedral to remember Ben, and they hope you'll join them in dedicating a ribbon to someone special.
“They’re always there for us, especially when we need them most.”
— Rob, Ben's brother
Your donation can make a difference
Your kindness can help another family find support when they need it most.
A suggested donation of £31 could fund an hour of our nurse-led Helpline, providing vital information, emotional support and guidance to people affected by meningitis.
With your help, Meningitis Now can be there for families whether their loss was ten days ago or ten years ago.
Please consider making a donation today and dedicating a ribbon in memory of your loved one.
How to take part
- Dedicate a ribbon. Write a personal message in memory of a loved one or in support of someone affected by meningitis.
- Return your ribbon by 20 November. Send it back to Meningitis Now in the envelope provided so it can be displayed on our Tree of Remembrance at Gloucester Cathedral.
- Make a donation. A suggested gift of £31 could fund an hour of our nurse-led Helpline, helping families access the support and guidance they need.
- Remember at home. Display a second ribbon on your Christmas tree or somewhere special to keep your loved one's memory close.
If you're able to, we'd love you to join us at our Carol Concert at Gloucester Cathedral on 24 November.
Find out more about the Carol Concert and tickets.
Thank you for remembering loved ones with us and helping Meningitis Now be there for families when they need us most.