Patrons
Meningitis UK is honoured to have a number of dedicated patrons who regularly endorse our events and campaigns.
Joe Swash | Sarah Ayton | Jane Seymour | Robin Cousins | Shirley Webb | Bob Woodward
Ken Loach
Critically-acclaimed film director Ken Loach has first-hand experience of the devastation caused by meningitis after the disease left his granddaughter Holly fighting for her life at 13-months-old. She was left profoundly deaf after being diagnosed with pneumococcal meningitis in 2000. Now, aged 11, Holly has cochlear implants to provide her with a sense of sound and the youngster has astounded experts by becoming a talented musician.
Ken, famous for directing Kes and The Wind That Shakes the Barley, said: "Meningitis is a terrible illness that can destroy lives and devastate families. We have had personal experience of this. Finding a way to eradicate meningitis is our collective responsibility, which should be carried out by the NHS. Until that happens, Meningitis UK is doing a brilliant job in sponsoring research and I'm delighted to be part of its campaign."
Ken has already lent his support to Meningitis UK through its annual Summer Stroll, which begins near his home in Bath.
Joe Swash
Actor Joe Swash has seen his popularity soar after being crowned King of the Jungle in last year's I'm a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here. He is well-known for playing Mickey Miller in Eastenders, during which time he was struck down by meningoencephalitis - a rare form of viral meningitis. In 2005, aged 23, he spent two weeks in intensive care and six weeks in hospital after the disease left him struggling with his coordination and speech. Thankfully he went on to make a full recovery and has now pledged his support to Meningitis UK.
Joe said: "Having had meningitis myself I know what people go through with it and also what they constantly go through after having had it. I feel it is vital that Meningitis UK can raise as much awareness of the dangers of meningitis and its symptoms as possible so that lives can be saved. I am proud to show my support for Meningitis UK and do what I can to help eradicate this disease."
Read Joe's full story.
Sarah Ayton
Sarah Ayton MBE hit the headlines at the Beijing 2008 Olympics as one of the "three blondes in a boat" who won the Yngling gold medal. The sailor had previously achieved a gold medal in Athens and went on to successfully defend the title with her teammates. Her achievements are all the more impressive considering her battle with meningococcal meningitis and septicaemia in 1995, when she was aged 14.
Sarah said: "I was sailing in Hampshire when I felt sick and had really severe headaches. Luckily my friend's mum took me to a local doctor, who gave me antibiotics and rushed me to hospital straight away. I was barely conscious by the time I reached hospital but thankfully I pulled through and was treated just in time.
"It's a great honour to be a patron of Meningitis UK and to support its Search 4 a Vaccine Campaign. I realise I was lucky to pull through and be able to go on to achieve my dreams, which is why I hope my support will not only raise awareness of the symptoms but also help to eradicate this devastating disease completely."
Read Sarah's full story.
Jane Seymour and James Keach
Hollywood actress, star of 'Dr Quinn, Medicine Woman and mother of six Jane Seymour & her husband, American actor, producer and director James Keach have recently become patrons of Meningitis UK.
They said: "The stories about families who have lost a loved one to meningitis, or who live with someone who has suffered the devastating consequences of the disease, are so moving".
As parents, we can imagine only too clearly what agony this must be. If by supporting Meningitis UK, we can help to eradicate the disease and put an end to the devastation it causes, we feel it is wholly worthwhile."
Robin Cousins
Robin Cousins MBE is one of Britain's best loved ice skaters. Robin won a figure skating gold medal at the 1980 Winter Olympics but is now best known as being the head judge on ITV1's Dancing on Ice. Robin became a patron of Meningitis UK as the cause is close to his heart.
Robin said: "I am keen to support Meningitis UK and its Search 4 a Vaccine because I know only too well how devastating the disease can be and how quickly it can strike.
"My eldest brother Barry died of meningitis before my two brothers and I were born, so it had a big impact on my family.
"I am only too happy to lend my support to raise awareness of the symptoms and to put an end to this disease which causes so much heartache and suffering."
Denis Law
Football legend Denis Law, played for Manchester United and Scotland during the golden era of George Best and Bobby Charlton. During that time he was voted 'European Footballer of the Year'. Denis has been a friend of the charity for many years.
Denis said "My son Andrew suffered from meningitis and meningococcal septicaemia when he was 24, but thankfully recovered, so Meningitis UK is a charity that is very close to my heart. It is a great privilege to be a Patron for such a worthwhile cause and I really enjoy taking part in their events and helping to raise money to fund the charity's important search for a vaccine".
Shirley Webb
Shirley Webb, who stars as Battleaxe in Sky One's remake of the classic 90s show Gladiators, has become a patron of Meningitis UK after seeing first hand how quickly the disease can strike. Shirley, an Olympic hammer thrower, is now throwing her weight behind Meningitis UK's Search 4 a Vaccine Campaign.
Shirley said: "I suffered from viral meningitis last Easter and it wiped me out for about two months. Thankfully I haven't suffered from any serious after-effects but it was a stark reminder of how much damage meningitis can cause, especially as I am considered a very fit and healthy person.
"Although I had the viral form of meningitis it highlights how dangerous the disease can be and why a vaccine is needed against all strains. I am pleased to be a patron and to help raise awareness of Meningitis UK and the important research the charity funds."
Bob Woodward
Bob Woodward, who founded the children's cancer charity CLIC when his son Robert was diagnosed with cancer aged 11 in 1977, has been very closely involved with Meningitis UK since the charity first started.
Steve Dayman, Chief Executive of Meningitis UK said "Meningitis UK's flagship laboratories in the University of Bristol, named after my son Spencer, would not have been created without Bob's leading role in the negotiations and it is an honour to have Bob as a Patron. Bob is a legend of charity fundraising and so many worthy causes have achieved so much because of his direct involvement".
In addition to our patrons above, various celebrities have also endorsed our Search 4 a Vaccine Campaign, including Lee Sharpe, the former Manchester United winger and reality TV star who suffered from viral meningitis in the early 1990s, Philippa Forrester, who as a mum of three children is all too aware of the threat of meningitis, Beverley Knight MBE who lost her baby cousin to meningitis in 2006 and Lorraine Tighe - star of The Apprentice who nearly lost her daughter Alexia to meningitis.
MeningitisUK · Registered Charity No.1076774