Join us live on Facebook, Wednesday 15th February, 7pm
To mark the one year anniversary of the tragic death of Faye Burdett and the outpouring of support from millions that followed, we will be hosting a one off, Facebook Live discussion on the disease which took her life.
Faye’s father, Neil Burdett, Men B survivor Jacob Gray and our helpline manager, Claire Donovan will discuss the key issues surrounding the Men B vaccine, the impact of the disease and how parents can protect their children in a live Q&A from Maidstone.
Submit your questions by email to digital@meningitisnow.org or by commenting on our social media using the hashtag #MenBnow.
Neil Burdett
Neil and his wife Jenny tragically lost their daughter on 14th February 2016. Aged just two, Faye was six months too old to receive the life saving MenB vaccine.
Keen to raise awareness with other parents, Jenny and Neil posted photographs of their daughter, seriously ill and covered in a septicaemia rash on social media just days after she died, and have campaigned ever since for the vaccine to be available for all children at risk. Sadly, their tireless efforts and those of other parents similarly affected by the disease would be ignored, and despite the MenB petition reaching a record 823,000 signatures, the age range for the vaccine was not extended.
A year on, Neil is as determined as ever to raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of meningitis and of the MenB vaccine, so that other parents do not have to go through what he has.
Read Faye’s story in full here or for more about the Men B petition and the Beat it now! campaign click here.
Jacob Gray
Meningitis Now Young Ambassador was just 21 when he contracted meningococcal (B) meningitis and septicemia, resulting in 699 days spent in hospital and the amputation of both legs below the knee.
Today, Jacob has regained his independence with the use of prosthetics and with his fellow Young Ambassador and fiance, Summer – represents the charity by speaking at numerous events, provides peer support and has appeared in local and national media.
He is a passionate advocate for meningitis awareness and speaks for the many people at risk from the disease but not of an age to receive the vaccine through the NHS.
Read Jacob's story in full here.
Claire Donovan
Claire joined Meningitis Now in 2008 to manage the charity’s helpline. As a registered nurse she has over 20 years experience in supporting families, including as a Sister for Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Trust, leading a team caring for premature and sick babies.
Through her role as the Initial Contact and Assessment Manager for Meningitis Now, Claire has a wealth of experience in what concerns people of all ages in relation to meningitis and has a breath of knowledge on the vaccines and signs and symptoms of the disease.
Claire will remain online to answer questions for 30 minutes after the end of the broadcast.
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