We wanted to help with fundraising, make people aware of the symptoms and find a vaccine for this disease

Vanessa Whiting

Community Ambassador

In 1992, my son Luke, died from meningitis aged 22 months. He initially had flu-like symptoms, but the doctor thought he’d had a convulsion, so he was referred to the local hospital.

After a lumbar puncture and blood tests, he was diagnosed with meningitis and transferred to Guy’s Hospital, but died a few hours later.

This all took place in less than 24 hours and is one of the reasons why my family and I decided to support Steve Dayman’s work in 1992. We wanted to help with fundraising, make people aware of the symptoms and find a vaccine for this disease. Being a Community Ambassador for Meningitis Now is a great way to achieve these aims.

Anne Cadden

Community Ambassador

In January 2001, my daughter, Helen, died from meningococcal septicaemia aged 18 while in her first year at university.
Lesley Chandler-Clare

Community Ambassador

I lost my husband, Kevin, to meningococcal septicaemia in January 2000, just five hours after being admitted to hospital. I have been supported by Meningitis Now ever since.
Anne Gaston

Community Ambassador

My son is now 21, but when he was six months old, he was rushed to hospital with suspected meningitis.
Bahman Jamalaldini

Community Ambassador

In December 2010, I thought I was coming down with a cold. On December 21, I went to bed early and in the early hours of the morning I was vomiting, had diarrhoea, felt cold and had muscle and joint pain.

Anne Cadden

Lesley Chandler-Clare

Anne Gaston

Bahman Jamalaldini