Meningitis Now is always impressed with the creativity of our fundraisers but one family’s idea of a pigeon show and auction has to be up there as one of the most imaginative!
Nicola Marston said partner Jason had decided to organise the event after their son Jorge’s meningitis story was on our website. When they shared it with friends and family, the suggestion was made by their pigeon club that the next fundraiser should be for Meningitis Now.
Jorge, from Walsall in the West Midlands, was only nine months old when he was admitted to hospital and subsequently diagnosed with meningitis. Despite a difficult week of treatment, Jorge luckily made a good recovery and is now a “happy, healthy, cheeky” seven-year-old.
Nicola said the pigeon event had taken place on 25 May and the venue was hired out at no cost as a way of supporting this event.
“Local pigeon fanciers donated some of their prize pigeons and local pet stores donated items for the raffle such and pigeon feed and baskets,” she said.
“The pigeons were judged on appearance and condition and the best in show was won by a nine-year-old and received a rosette!"
“The pigeons were then auctioned off as fanciers came from far and wide to bid on the birds that had been donated for this good cause. On the day £814 was raised for Meningitis Now!”
Meningitis Now’s head of community fundraising Leah Wynn said the amount raised by Nicola and Jason was a real feather in their cap.
“This is a really cracking result,” she said.
“I hope Nicola will know that the money raised will go towards helping others like Jorge and that it will all be put to eggsellent use.”
