Meningitis UK reaches milestone

TEN years of battling brain bug meningitis is being marked by a Bristol-based charity today.

Meningitis UK has raised £4.7million towards vital vaccine research since it was established by its Chief Executive Steve Dayman in 1999.

He has been committed to eradicating the Meningitis B strain after the devastating loss of his 14-month-old son Spencer in 1982.

The charity's local supporters, staff and trustees are gathering at the Downend offices to reflect on its achievements and aims for future.

Researchers predict the ultimate goal of a life-saving vaccine could be achieved within the next five to 10 years - news Steve thought he would never hear.

He said: "When Spencer died, I was told I would never see a vaccine in my lifetime. Even when Meningitis UK opened its first office in Fishponds 10 years ago it seemed a distant ambition.

"But during this period we've moved from basic research to cutting-edge clinical trials.

"It's encouraging that research teams now have candidate vaccines in various stages of development and that's thanks to the continued support and dogged resilience we've seen from our supporters."

Meningitis UK was originally called the Spencer Dayman Meningitis Laboratories, established in 1999 to fund a £500,000 state-of-the-art dedicated meningitis research laboratory in the University of Bristol's School of Medical Sciences.

Once this project was completed, the charity decided to focus solely on funding research into a preventative vaccine for Meningitis B.

It now funds projects throughout the country to the tune of over £1.1million.

Steve, from Alveston, near Thornbury, has walked over 11,000 miles and raised £1.7million through walks alone since he began fundraising after Spencer's death.

Professor Nigel Klein, Professor of Infectious Diseases and Immunology at the Institute of Child Health, was on Meningitis UK's first medical advisory panel and describes Steve as an "inspirational" figure to everyone working in the field.

He added: "Steve's commitment to the recognition, management and prevention of meningitis has been unparalleled.

"It's important not to underestimate the support and awareness charities like Meningitis UK provide.

"It has probably helped to save thousands of lives just through educating people on the disease's symptoms and the importance of early diagnosis.

"It's played a vital role in reaching this crucial stage of medical research, where a vaccine for Meningitis B could be achieved in the next decade."

Spencer's Ball and the Summer Stroll between Bath and Bristol have become popular events in the local fundraising calendar, in addition to thousands of fundraisers' efforts across the country.

Steve says families who have experienced the devastation of the disease are the driving force behind Meningitis UK's achievements.

He added: "We need people's support now more than ever as we make the final push.

"With the help of our supporters and general public we're confident that a vaccine will be found to save thousands of lives in the future."

Meningitis UK's Search 4 a Vaccine Campaign aims to raise £7million to fund vital research into eradicating Meningitis B - the most common form of meningitis in the UK. This accounts for almost 90 per cent of all cases and can kill in under four hours.

The charity is also offering the public free symptoms information packs to help raise awareness. These include a leaflet with all the facts and frequently asked questions, plus a ‘Check the Symptoms' fridge magnet and a handy wallet-sized symptoms card.

To support the Search 4 a Vaccine Campaign, or order your information pack, contact Meningitis UK on 0117 373 73 73 or visit www.meningitisuk.org

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