The week of June 1-7 is national volunteers week, and our chance to reflect on everything that you have done for us over the past 12 months
We have over 200 volunteers in the UK, and last year you contributed an amazing 3220 hours of volunteering between you. You gave talks; set up awareness stands; put up posters; accepted fund-raising cheques and picked up collection tins; shook buckets and supported our events.
You have helped raise awareness of meningitis with thousands of people throughout the country. Whether you give time weekly, or once or twice a year, the difference you make is invaluable. Thank you all so much!
Volunteer round-up
London Marathon 2019
The marathon took place in perfect weather conditions on Sunday 28 April, and 17 volunteers came along to support our intrepid runners - most of whom were running following a close meningitis experience. Right from the moment the volunteers set off to their cheering point, their teamwork and positivity were hugely in evidence.
It was the first event for one of our newest volunteers, Katie Alexander-Thom (pictured top), who said, "I had such a wonderful and emotional day cheering all the runners on and offering support and good vibes. It was a very inspiring experience and I can’t wait to continue helping Meningitis Now!"
Gill Noble, Barbara Johnson and Mary Garley manned the runner's reception desk - a role Barbara has undertaken for almost 20 years. Mary, who lost her granddaughter to meningitis, has been volunteering for us for 10 years and said, "It is a fantastic day! Everybody who’s running has something that they want to recognise MN for."
Fiona Yelland, one of our Young Ambassadors, was also in great form, cheering on our runners who have raised an incredible £239,000 so far, and the money is still coming in.
A huge thank you to all of the volunteers who supported the day so brilliantly.
Other news
Our hardworking Community Ambassador Angela Cloke has been telling her meningitis story for us this month. Knowle Mother's Union said, "We learned so much from her moving talk." She also spoke at Brailes W.I. who wrote to say: "Everyone who was there said how excellent your talk was, one of the best in years. Presentations are not easy and you really have the gift". Thank you so much Angela for your unstinting efforts.
New volunteer Betsy Barton-Hood is a bundle of positivity and has been busy already. She dressed up as a banana and walked through Bristol, raising £1000 for us. She then helped out with her first awareness stand at Keynsham Rotary Club plant sale. The staff member working with her described her as an amazing asset to Meningitis Now. Fantastic job Betsy! We're so pleased to have you.
New volunteers
A very warm welcome to all of you - we are really happy to have you as part of our MN team!
- Hollie Montrose
- Kevin Trueman
- Catherine Trueman
- Betsy Bowman-Hood
- Katie Alexander-Thom
Volunteering opportunities 2019 - Can you help?
There's still time to join the team and cheer on our runners and riders!
- Ride London 2019 Sunday 4 August
- Great North Run 2019 Sunday 8 September
- Five Valleys Walk 2019 Meningitis Now's flagship event Sunday 29 September
Opportunities
National Citizen Service Summer Programme Talks - The NCS young people's summer programme is taking place through July and August. We have filled some dates and are still looking for volunteers to go along and talk to the young people about meningitis in Pershore on Thursdays 25 July, and 8 and 15 August.
Gosfield Triathlon - We are looking for volunteers to take car parking receipts and run awareness stands at Gosfield on Sunday 7 July.
Keep in touch - we love to hear what you are doing!
- Drop us an email when you are raising awareness
- Ask the Volunteer Team when you need resources to support your activities
- Please send us your photos and stories - we love receiving them
- Count your preparation and travel time when you let us know your hours
- Share your volunteering pictures, stories and ideas and virtually meet other ambassadors and volunteers on our Facebook group too
Our volunteers Facebook page is a special group for you to share your stories and ideas. Friends and family can follow the Meningitis Now charity page, or perhaps they would like to apply to be a volunteer?!
Check out our volunteering opportunities board.
