A Staffordshire family is spearheading our Christmas Ribbon Appeal this year
We have been supporting the family since Rubie’s death through our range of services – including a grant to pay towards her funeral, Helpline and counselling support, home visits and art therapy for Rubie’s brother Alfie.
In their turn Russ and Kerry have been supporting us through fundraising, volunteering and awareness-raising, in particular organising an annual sponsored walk for family and friends to remember Rubie.
Life has changed forever“Life has changed forever,” Russ said. “You can’t put it into words – we were just lost."
“If you haven’t lost a child, it is a pain that is unexplainable. You never get over it. You never stop hurting."
“You may learn to cope with it better over time but you never forget. Rubie will always be a part of our lives.”
There for usRuss added, “Meningitis Now has been there for us and helped us keep going through these difficult days.”
Rubie developed what was at first thought to be a cold. By the next morning she had become cold and limp, and her breathing was shallow. She was taken quickly to hospital but, despite a brave fight, Rubie lost her life.
“We discovered she had bacterial meningitis,” Russ said, “with no rash and no typical symptoms. Her short life was taken in just five hours.”
Each year we help people to honour those they have lost with a ribbon inscribed with their family member or friend’s name. These are placed on our Tree of Remembrance at our annual Christmas Concert in Gloucester Cathedral, on Thursday 13 December this year.
Ribbons can be placed by anyone left bereaved, whatever the circumstances of their loss, and all donations received in exchange for a ribbon will help us support families who need us this Christmas and throughout the coming months and years.
Tom Nutt, our Chief Executive, said, “It’s only through the generosity of individuals that we’re able to save lives and rebuild futures, through our research, awareness and support work, and your donation really does make a difference."
“We remain committed to being here to support all those who need us after meningitis as we move towards a future where no one in the UK dies from this disease and everybody affected gets the support they need.”
