News stories

Following Chris Fonseca's incredible performance on BBC1 at the weekend, Meningitis Now's Senior Designer Jules explains what it's like to hear through a cochlear implant

Meningitis Now send our deepest sympathies to friends and family of Maisie Dicks, who passed away on 1 January this year

Meningitis Now supporter Joe Allen is hoping to wow investors on the new series of BBC foodie programme My Million Pound Menu.

One marathon is a huge achievement for anyone - but John is taking on one every month for a whole year!

Our heartfelt condolences go out to the family and friends of Katelyn Lazare, who passed away just after Christmas

Family and friends of Sam Virgo who sadly died from meningitis in March 2008 aged just 2, have launched a trackable geocache in his memory.

A South Bristol pharmacist who actively campaigned for us in April has been recognised as Pharmacist of the Year

When Paul lost his son Ryan suddenly to meningitis, he found strength in his grief that prompted a mammoth undertaking

As nearly 250 childcare providers have signed up to our Meningitis Awareness Recognition Scheme, we're thrilled to have extra endorsement from the British Association for Professional Nannies

Nursery owner Heather has very personal reasons for ensuring that Kiddie Cats Pre-School in Huddersfield is officially recognised as Meningitis Aware

Proceeds from the sale of tankards at Frocester Beer Festival raised £782 towards Meningitis Now's work.

Meningitis Now would like to offer our deepest sympathies and support to family and friends of four-year-old Enzo, who has passed away after a short battle with meningitis

Read the latest update from our Volunteering team

Meningitis Now welcome the news that a world-first trial is underway to develop a nose drop that could help prevent meningitis

One year after launch, nearly 100 universities have registered for our Meningitis Awareness Recognition Mark - but there is still work to be done

We welcome news that a new blood test is being developed to speed up and improve the diagnosis of meningitis

Meningitis Now are supporting an initiative that raises awareness of bereaved children and young people in the UK, launched this week by the Grief Encounter Children's Choir

Intrepid supporters Emma Smart, Emma Allen and Gabbie Smith undertook a daredevil abseil for us, after Emma Smart's youngest son contracted viral meningitis

Public Health England have confirmed two definite cases of bacterial meningitis

Russ and Kerry Fisher remember daughter Rubie, who was six weeks old when she lost her life to bacterial meningitis, through our annual Ribbon Appeal

Corporate partners Irwin Mitchell joined Meningitis Now and the United Bristol Hospitals RFC to help raise awareness of meningitis

As Alastair Irvine steps down from his position of Meningitis Now's Chairman of Trustees, he reflects on the the past and future of the charity

Our CEO Dr Tom Nutt has responded to the recent news coverage calling for greater transparency around clinical trials

Following a small rise in cases of MenC over the last year, we are urging young adults to check whether they have received the MenACWY vaccination

As the clocks go back, signalling the start of the winter months, Meningitis Now urge people to stay vigilant to the signs and symptoms of meningitis

Meningitis Now have reached out to the family of four-year-old Harley Edwards as he battles meningococcal septicaemia

University students are being urged to learn the signs and symptoms of meningitis this autumn to keep themselves and their friends safe

The news that Bristol City goalkeeper Frank Fielding has been diagnosed with viral meningitis is a good reminder that we should take the disease seriously

To mark what would have been her sister's 30th birthday, Lucy took on what would become an annual challenge in her memory

Surrey childcare provider Little Harriers is the latest to be awarded our MARM - Meningitis Awareness Recognition Mark

Read the latest update from our Volunteering team

We are saddened to hear that Hull Kingston Rovers captain Shaun Lunt is currently in hospital being treated for meningitis

A massive congratulations and thank you to our team of 62 Kiltwalkers, who raised £14,000 towards our work

The deadline for the Department of Health and Social Care to review the Meningococcal Working Group's recommendations is just two weeks away

Meningitis Now’s Five Valleys Walk fundraising event has had a banner stolen from just outside the charity’s headquarters in Stroud.

Warwick Davis' wife Sammy was recently struck down by a potentially deadly trio of sepsis, meningitis and Strep B infections.

An uplifting ballad written in memory of Edward Dee is rising quickly up Amazon's Best Sellers in Songs

Thank you to our long-term supporters from The Starfish Trust and Voodoo DesignWorks Ltd, who have provided some £750,000 to the meningitis cause over the years

After the tragic loss of son Joshua in 2016, Anne-Marie started running to help her cope; she has now started combining her new-found love of the sport with fundraising

Read the latest update from our Volunteering team

We’d love you to join us on Sunday 30 September for our flagship event

Paula from Daisy First Aid recently visited us at Head Office to deliver a training session to staff, teaching us how to deal with emergency first aid situations involving babies and children

If your child is off to uni this autumn, make sure they're safe and well-equipped against Men ACWY

Macey, a five-year-old lurcher who has fought back from meningitis, will be the mascot for our new event launching in October

Anxiety is a very common long-term after-effect of bacterial meningitis, with nearly 1 in 5 children displaying prominent signs of anxiety after recovery.

Newcastle University have become meningitis aware by completing Meningitis Now's MARM programme.

Being meningitis aware can save lives. Meningitis Now are encouraging childcare providers to sign-up for the MARM scheme.

Tilly and Lyndon are joining forces to raise meningitis awareness in the North-East.

Read our latest update from the Volunteering team

On 23 June, Nicky took on an epic 60 mile challenge to raise money in memory of mum Margaret, who passed away five years ago

In support of Group B Strep Awareness Month this July, we're joining forces with charity GBSS to ask everyone to help raise awareness

Declan lost the ability to walk and talk after contracting meningitis aged 2, but now, 8 years on, he has been scouted by a top football academy

Dedicated fundraiser Mark Burrell has so far raised over £100,000 for us since his daughter Ruby passed away in 2010

A massive thank you and congratulations to Clevedon Canoe Club, who recently paddled 203 miles during an epic 12-hour fundraising event

Football fan Louie has been making the news again

Meningitis Now has recently discovered that our logo is being used on unauthorised clothes recycling bags.

Katy shares her heartbreaking account of the devastation surrounding her loss of baby son Charlie

Supporters Helen and Peter recently joined Charles and Camilla at the Queen's annual Garden Party to thank them for their incredible support

Our wonderful Community Ambassador Mary recently attended a glitzy Casino Royale-themed fundraiser organised by corporate supporter Baker Botts

Meningitis Now welcome a report published today by the Meningococcal Working Group, which outlines recommendations to improve early diagnosis and treatment

We are thrilled that top legal firm Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP has chosen to support us

Ten car enthusiasts are taking on a challenge to raise money for Meningitis Now in memory of 14-month-old Reggie who sadly died of meningitis in March 2018.

Meningitis Now need your help following the release of a report that puts the UK's lifesaving vaccination programme at risk

7 years after contracting bacterial meningitis, Keeley is working hard towards her Masters degree in Cellular Pathology, focusing on bacterial meningitis

Ey Up Mi Duck, an annual music, beer and wine festival, has raised an amazing £3,427 for Meningitis Now

Good luck to TIME, a group of Dorset students whose Young Enterprise programme has won them into the South West Finals of Dorset Company of the Year

Super supporters Katy, Sue and doggy Stan recently took on an epic 100km trek from Ipswich to Southwold in memory of a close friend of Katy's. Find out how they got on here

Daisy First Aid Cardiff & Vale's manager and trainer Jo had great fun holding a Toddle Waddle in the sun on Bank Holiday Monday and is urging others to give it a go

Following a diagnosis of viral meningitis in 2015, The Who vocalist Roger Daltrey has released a solo album influenced in part by his experience

Brave Kia Gott has today returned home from hospital, 7 months after contracting Men C, resulting in multiple amputations

Our volunteers have been as busy as ever this month! Read the latest volunteer update here

Meningitis Now are delighted that national planning, design and development consultants Brodie Planning have formalised their partnership with us

In a candid and moving account, our Community Ambassador Lesley Chandler-Clare recalls the darkest days after husband Kevin died from meningococcal septicaemia

Big-hearted charity fundraisers are inviting everyone to join them for an evening of entertainment in West Calder, West Lothian to help fight back against meningitis

To mark Viral Meningitis Awareness Week, East Midlands MEP Rory Palmer writes about his family's experience with viral meningitis

During Viral Awareness Week, we’re calling for viral meningitis sufferers and their family members to be ‘vocal about viral’

A charity bike ride is being held to commemorate the death of David, who passed away following meningitis aged 47.

Meningitis survivor Taylor needs your vote to help him play like any other child his age; find out how you can help here

Two patrols from Rodborough Scouts have chosen Meningitis Now as their project for the 'World Challenge' award

A dedicated group of fundraisers from Berkeley in Gloucestershire is organising a community triathlon with a difference in memory of a young local boy

23 to 29 April 2018 is European Immunization Week, the event organised by the WHO.

We are asking partners and spouses of brain injury survivors to share their experiences to help us learn about the impact post-brain injury fatigue can have; can you help?

A Bedminster Pharmacy is supporting Meningitis Now on ‘World Meningitis Day’ by turning their pharmacy orange.

We are delighted that staff at top London and global law firm Baker Botts (UK) LLP have chosen us as their charity for the second quarter of this year

On World Meningitis Day, listen and learn from Harmonie-Rose.

April has been a busy month around the country for our volunteers! Read the latest volunteer update here

In recognition of World Meningitis Day on Tuesday 24 April, we're asking our lovely supporters to help us spread some important messages

Celebrating his birthday this week and still going strong at 70, Steve Dayman was instrumental in launching what is now known as Meningitis Now 36 years ago

Rangers FC are holding a collection at this weekend’s match, to raise money in memory of Koa Brock, who sadly died from meningitis last week

Dozens of heartfelt messages have poured in for Michelle Whyte, who sadly passed away after contracting meningococcal disease

Good luck to our co-founder Jane Wells, who has been nominated to receive the award for West Woman of the Year 2018!

We're delighted to have been chosen as Frocester Beer Festival's nominated charity for 2018 and would love to hear from you if you can help out on the day

Seven-year-old Xavier loves to ride his bike - so much so that he's taking on a 100 mile challenge this year to raise money in memory of daddy's sister Cheryl

Damion Krska, Meningitis Now volunteer explains you don’t have to do much to make an impact - just care!

A tribute night is being held in memory of Barry Connell, a top DJ from Glasgow, who died from meningitis nearly ten years ago.

When 10-year-old Harry's uncle contracted meningitis, he made his school project all about meningitis awareness.

Dad Darren is taking on a mammoth 80-mile hike of the Yorkshire Wolds Way to raise money after his daughter Connie contracted meningitis at just 2 years of age

Teenagers wanted to help change the future of meningitis

Matt Sansum was 3 years old when he contracted meningitis. Now, 39 years on, he's helping to raise funds by taking on the Prudential RideLondon-Surrey 100

Meningitis Now staff attend the TRIC awards, hosted by TRIC president and Meningitis Now ambassador Lisa Snowden.

To mark Brain Awareness Week, UKABIF are looking for budding videographers to submit a 30 second video for a chance to win £250

How far do you think a team of 48 can run on a treadmill over the course of 12 hours?

This week it was revealed that there has been a second case of meningitis at St Andrews University in Fife, Scotland

Following their mother Margaret's tragic death in 2013, Nicky and Rob have set themselves huge physical challenges to mark what would have been her 60th birthday

Callum was just 14 when he passed away following a misdiagnosis that meant the lifesaving antibiotics he was taking were stopped. 4 years on, father Neil has written a moving tribute to his son

Valerie, aged 81, was just 11 years old when she was hospitalised with TB meningitis. 70 years on, we were delighted to receive a letter from her, which paints a wonderful picture of how important a quick diagnosis was, even back in 1947

The former Mayor of Blandford died of an aggressive form of meningitis just two days after an ear infection diagnosis

Government agrees to public consultation as it publishes key meningitis vaccine report

Mother of five Lissa passed away just ten days after her symptoms of tuberculosis meningitis were diagnosed as a migraine

An annual football match in memory of Harry Done will take place this weekend to mark the third anniversary of him losing his life to meningitis

Aidan was given a 1-in-10 chance of survival by doctors when he contracted meningococcal septicaemia. Mum Claire shares their story of his recovery.

Meningitis Now cautiously welcome a new public health campaign urging parents to consult a pharmacist first for minor illness, and urge everyone to learn the signs and symptoms that could save lives

Seven-year-old Caspar was left almost completely deaf after contracting meningitis, but dad Patrick is helping him to overcome the difficulties that he faces

The first meeting of the Department of Health Meningitis Working Group took place at the end of January and sparked a variety of discussions around public and professional awareness of meningitis

It has been confirmed that a teenager from Huddersfield has died after contracting meningitis, just days after two cases were confirmed in the area

January has seen 2018 off to a great start for our volunteers - read the latest volunteer update here

With recent headlines highlighting the strain on the NHS, Meningitis Now is urging people not to be afraid to seek medical help if meningitis is suspected

A record number of swimmers will make a splash on Sunday 28 January to raise cash in memory of meningitis victim Edward Dee

After losing a grandson to meningitis in 2014, Robert is donating profits made from the sale of his book to Meningitis Now

Meningitis Now one of 23 charities to receive funds raised by the annual 'Hoggin’ the Bridge' motorcycle ride.

Our aim is to raise the profile of Meningitis Now in Scotland

Joe Allen 24, from Colliers Wood, London, is a Chef De Partie for Compass Group. Every year he organises a fantastic culinary feast to raise money for Meningitis Now

A secondary school in Kent has confirmed that a member of staff is being treated in hospital for bacterial meningitis and septicaemia

Two keen darts players have set themselves a New Year challenge to hit a treble – that’s three months without alcohol and takeaways – to raise funds to fight back against meningitis

Actor and comedian Joel Dommett has spoken about his support for Meningitis Now's work in a moving interview

After losing her husband to meningitis, Laura Barley from Glasgow took on an epic challenge with three of her closest friends. She tells us about her once in a lifetime adventure, and how her husband was honoured during the trip

Findings from this upcoming project will investigate why fatal delays in hospitalisations occur and identify where services need to change

The Bristol school has taken on the challenge to fight meningitis through awareness and fundraising

As the days grow colder, our Meningitis Now volunteers continue their valiant efforts; read the November update.

One of the most popular events in our calendar, the Gloucester Christmas Celebration Concert is just around the corner

We are so lucky to have a loyal community of supporters; this Giving Tuesday, we are asking you to tell a friend about us

Multi-talented trampolining star Isabelle has won a Pride of Sport Award, seven years after her life was changed forever by meningitis

Team Unlimbited, a collaboration of two volunteers, are helping to raise awareness and progress the development of prosthetics

Seventeen years after suffering three amputations, Will is using his experience to inspire others to succeed

Students from Long Road Sixth Form College have planned a 242.3-mile challenge in memory of friend Adam

A mother’s family experience of meningitis 11 years ago has inspired her to create a successful campaign to persuade students to take up the ACWY vaccine

Following the very sad news of Kia, who has recently contracted Men C, we have answered some of the more frequently-asked questions about this particular strain

One of our Christmas cards for sale this year carries a very special message

The initiative will help universities promote vaccine uptake and raise critical awareness of meningitis

As the winter months draw closer and instances of common infections such as colds and flu begin to rise, so does the risk of contracting meningitis. Make sure you know the signs.

Paul Gentry, who lost his daughter Izzy in May 2016, met with Bristol East MP Kerry McCarthy

It has been a busy time for Meningitis Now volunteers, read the October update.

The incredible fundraising milestone has been exceeded in just nine months

It has been a busy time for Meningitis Now volunteers, read the September update.

Last month saw the return of the popular South Gloucestershire Show and now we can reveal how much was raised for Meningitis Now

Community Ambassador, Sophia was just 16 when meningitis changed her life forever. But meeting an iconic, Royal Patron of the charity inspired her

World record breaking attempt while fundraising and awareness raising for Meningitis Now

Meet Harry Doyle, 14, who has just become a Young Ambassador for Meningitis Now

A fantastic time was had by all at Ryan’s Hockey Tournament – the annual tournament, in memory of 16-year-old Ryan Bresnahan who died from meningitis in 2010

Tyler Garwood from Newcastle lost his fight against meningitis in 2016. His friends won't let him be forgotten though, and continue to pay tribute to the 14 year old, 'one of a kind'

A group of parents who lost their teenage children to meningitis are joining forces to encourage other parents to get their children vaccinated

Congratulations to Meningitis Now founder Steve Dayman who has recently completed his 34th and final long-distance fundraising walk

Congratulations to Meningitis Now supporter Frank Synek, who has completed his epic trek from Land’s End to John O’Groats

After contracting meningitis as a baby and surviving, Alex Underwood is now helping others to fight the disease after taking on one tough challenge!

If you’re in the Bolton area and fancy stretching your legs why not join in a sponsored horse ride and walk around Radcliffe to help fight back against the devastation of meningitis

1-7 June 2017 is Volunteers' Week. Here we say a special thank you to the hundreds of people who selflessly volunteer for Meningitis Now

As part of the appeal we’ve also set up a Friendship Wall, where you can add a message and show your support to people still suffering because of meningitis

B&Q staff from Stroud turned into superheroes to help raise money and fight meningitis

Steve has been involved with the meningitis movement for over 34 years, since losing his 14-month-old son Spencer in 1982 to meningococcal meningitis

14 years ago Rachael lost a good friend to meningitis. Over the last year she has completed 16 difficult challenges to raise money for Meningitis Now, in honour of her friend, Gaz

At a loose end this August bank holiday? Why not get together with your friends and take part in the first ever 'Cider Circuit'!

Get on board the Tangerine Train for May Mayhem, and raise money for Meningitis Now!

It's been a year since 16 year old Izzy Gentry died from meningitis. Here, her dad Paul, bravely tells the story of what happened to his beautiful daughter, and describes the pain that will never go away.

The Edward Dee Forever Fund has been selected as one of five charity partners for this year's Lytham Festival.

Sunday 18 June is father's day, so why not get together with the whole family and enjoy a walk along the golden sands of Morecambe Bay!

Join us for a friendly, fun and fulfilling tournament in Bristol on Sunday 28 May and help knock meningitis into touch

Meningitis Now are delighted and excited to have been chosen as the nominated charity for this year’s South Gloucestershire Show

Meningitis Now are backing European Immunization Week (EIW), which takes place between 23 and 29 April

This Monday, 24 April, is World Meningitis Day. The day is the initiative of CoMO - the worldwide Confederation of Meningitis Organisations, of which we’re a member

Meningitis Now's fifth annual Viral Meningitis Week seeks to raise awareness to inform the public, health professionals and employers about the true impact of the disease

The music festival – which takes its name from the common local East Midlands greeting – has been inspired to support us by the story of Meningitis Now Young Ambassador Charlotte

QVC deliver on workplace support choosing Meningitis Now as charity of the year

Young Ambassador Ross visited head office to take part in a film to help raise awareness of meningitis. Here he tells us about his day and his role as a Young Ambassador

The Stroud branch of RPC-BPI has raised hundreds of pounds for Meningitis Now!

Take part in the Strawberry Lion 50:50 challenge and enjoy a stroll through the heart of North Somerset whilst raising money for charity!

Fundraising in Scotland keeps going from strength to strength

Poetry can be a great way to express yourself and make sense of your feelings. Why not give it a try and share your poems with us

Does the thought of a marathon fill you with dread? If so, why not take part in the No Way Marathon from the comfort of your own sofa!

Take part in a charity golf day to help in the fight against meningitis - or just enjoy relaxing in the spa!

After beating meningitis twice, Mason is enjoying a taste of the showbiz lifestyle, appearing on new ITV show 'Little Big Shots'.

We’ve teamed up with St Mary’s Old Boys under-11s rugby club in Bristol to help raise awareness of meningitis

We are extremely grateful to the family of Dylan, who sadly passed away following meningitis aged just 21 months, for their continued support. Their latest fundraiser raised an amazing £17,000, including £10,000 from the auction alone

It has been a very busy period at Meningitis Now, culminating today in our reception at Westminster inviting MPs to help us to promote awareness of the Men ACWY vaccine. Read about that and other updates here

Flu or meningitis, would you know the difference? Meningitis and septicaemia can be fatal make sure you know all the signs and symptoms

Thirty years ago, following an outbreak of meningitis in the towns of Stroud and Stonehouse in Gloucestershire, a group of concerned parents came together to fight back against this disease

Teenager Charlene who nearly died from meningitis has shared photos to help raise vital awareness

We are working alongside Qutee, a brand new social media platform, to provide a place to discuss all aspects of meningitis - vaccines, research, Men B, personal experiences, students, Men ACWY

meningitis awareness as new school year starts - learn what you need to know

Regional rail provider, Great Western Railway will be including Meningitis Now Signs and Symptoms cards with new railcards across Gloucestershire.

Caution urged over the use of Google's new self-diagnosis tools to recognise the signs and symptoms of meningitis.

The family and friends of a little girl who died from meningitis are planning a walk in her memory and to raise awareness of the disease that robbed her of her life

Three young volunteers have been helping to raise funds and awareness of meningitis.

A young meningitis survivor has taken on a walk from his home to the hospitals that treated him to raise awareness of the disease and funds to help fight it.

Students at London University have produced a film report on the recent MenB vaccine petition and the Government’s response

Volunteering to raise meningitis awareness in universities

After a family friend lost their beautiful little girl, Fleur Rose, to meningitis B earlier this year, Jason Nicholls and Nick Wright wanted to do something to help. This is the challenge they’ve set themselves

We’re calling for viral meningitis sufferers and their families to be “vocal about viral” to dispel myths and misconceptions that the viral form of the disease is not dangerous and always ‘mild’

Meningitis Now founder Steve Dayman is stepping out on a 344-mile walk this autumn to celebrate our 30th anniversary

For this year’s Awareness Day the organisers, the Confederation of Meningitis Organisations (CoMO) and its 43 member organisations in 28 countries – of which we are one – are uniting behind the theme "24 Hours - Time to Act!".

Step out for a beautiful bluebell woodland walk this bank holiday weekend and help raise funds to fight meningitis

Look out for our supporter Michelle Atkinson on television tonight

This year has been another significant and successful year for Meningitis Now, with incredible advancements in vaccinations and increased support throughout the UK.

Congratulations to Meningitis Now dedicated and inspirational fundraiser Tracy Cox of Evercreech, who has been shortlisted for a top award in the Pride of Somerset Awards

Our awareness trailer put in an appearance at Gretna Gateway Outlet Village this week to help promote meningitis awareness

Meningitis strikes quickly and its impact can change lives within a matter of hours, not giving people the time to fully understand what is happening to them or a loved one

With cases of this killer disease peaking between October and March, we are warning people to stay vigilant to the signs and symptoms of the disease.

Antibiotic resistance is one of the biggest threats to global health today

16 - 25-year-olds are encouraged to ‘Fight for now’ with the launch of our new website

Meet our latest Community Ambassadors – Nottingham grandparents Cliff and Jeanette Bull

We’re supporting Baby Loss Awareness Week, which takes place between 9 and 15 October

A huge thank you to our Community Ambassador, Ian Watkinson, who spent last weekend at the popular Towersey Festival in Thame, Oxfordshire, helping to spread meningitis awareness

Rugby league fans off to the Wigan Warriors game this Friday against local rivals Widnes have the opportunity to convert their visit into a health awareness message

Congratulations to Tracey Saunders and family on publishing Robey and the Dentist, a very special book written and illustrated by Tracey’s son Edward when he was just 11

In 2012, 14-year-old Charlie McVey, of Nottingham, was struck down with meningitis which almost cost him his life

We’re supporting the week to help draw attention to the fact that meningitis and septicaemia can be the cause of acquired brain injury

10 celebrities you never knew had meningitis

One of our supporters has won an international award for a project which tells the story of his efforts to cope with the effects of meningitis

Top South West provider of recycled aggregates, earthworks and waste management services, Bristol & Avon Group, has today launched a partnership programme with us to raise £100,000 for disease research

Meningitis can strike quickly, but its impact can last a lifetime. We know that meningitis and septicaemia can turn your world upside down, leaving many victims with after-effects.

Today we launch a 60 second commercial which aims to raise awareness across the UK, the the real and present dangers of meningitis

Knowing the signs of meningitis can save your life. The five most common myths about meningitis

Four years ago this month Bahman, 55, was fighting for his life as meningococcal meningitis and septicaemia ravaged his body

NHS England has confirmed the Meningococcal C (Men C) booster vaccine programme for students is to be extended

One of the UK’s largest trade unions has united with the country’s biggest meningitis charity to fight the deadly disease

Following yesterday’s news of another case of Meningococcal Group C in Liverpool our founder Steve Dayman has written a message to students at the affected university.