Cardiff student netball team raise awareness of meningitis
A student sports team in Wales are on the ball about helping us spread meningitis awareness
We were delighted when the Cardiff University Netball team chose us to be their Charity of the Year, and are really looking forward to working with them throughout the year as they also help fundraise for Meningitis Now.
The relationship started when our Social Media and Digital Content Editor, Ellie White, who is an ex Cardiff student and netball player herself, went along to meet the team and talk to them about how they can help us to spread awareness about the disease to other students.
The announcement about the team’s support comes during our annual Student Awareness Week, when we call on universities and organisations that work with young people to help raise awareness about the disease. This includes checking whether they are eligible for the MenACWY vaccine and asking them to make sure they know all the signs and symptoms of meningitis.
After meeting the team, Ellie told us they were really geared up and keen to get stuck in to not only awareness raising but also fundraising for us. She said this would include themed training sessions, a Meningitis Now tournament, and some quizzes – with other activities planned for later in the year.
“It’s amazing that this group of students are so enthusiastic about raising awareness for us,” she said. “It’s so valuable to have students out on the campus encouraging their peers to get the MenACWY vaccine – which could potentially save their life!”
Very personal reason
The netball team’s president is law student Jessica Rees, who said she had a very personal reason for wanting to support Meningitis Now. “My father was severely ill as a child from meningitis and suffers from long-lasting after-effects after having the disease”, she said.
“This is why as a club, raising awareness and helping Meningitis Now is something that is very close to home."
“Hopefully our role as a university club can help more people get vaccinated – I am vaccinated and I think it is important to do so."
“It’s also super important to raise awareness of the disease, it is something that can so easily be prevented by a five minute appointment to get your vaccination and yet so many people are still left unvaccinated.”
Thank you girls – we’re looking forward to working as a team with you in the year ahead!
