Drive to beat meningitis reaches the Midlands
03.11.10
A CAMPAIGN highlighting the dangers of killer brain bug meningitis was launched in the Midlands this week.
It comes just days after a Cheslyn Hay family marked the first anniversary of their son's death from the disease.
Popular Liam Keeling died suddenly from meningitis and septic shock on October 27 last year, just two weeks after his 13th birthday.
His parents Andy and Georgina held an open house for friends and family toremember the "loving, happy and caring" teenager.
A phenomenal £60,000 has been raised in his memory for Meningitis UK and its work to find a vaccine for all forms of the devastating disease.
Members of the Liam Keeling Memorial Fund joined the charity's chief executive Steve Dayman at Asda in Cannock for the start of a week-long awareness initiative.
An eye-catching trailer will be stationed in the car park from Monday to highlight the symptoms of the disease and the need to act quickly, carrying the hard-hitting warning that meningitis can kill in under four hours.
The winter months are when people are most at-risk due to the cold weather and weakened immune systems.
Richard Holmes, the chairman of thecommittee, said they never imagined they would raise so much money.
He said: "The success of the campaign is down to Liam's popularity. He was so well-loved and his death came as a huge shock to everyone.
"We're amazed ourselves at how much has been raised. We've never struggled to get people along to events, which is a sign of how strongly people feel about the cause.
"We're confident that they next 12 months will be just as successful. We've got to help protect people in the future from this devastating disease."
Liam was a year eight pupil at Cardinal Griffin and a talented footballer with Wyrley Juniors, a team co-managed by his dad Andy.
He had been off school for two days the week before half term with a cold but he shook it off and went back to school on the Thursday.
Then, at about 4pm on Saturday, Liam developed a headache, temperature and was being sick. He experienced a rigor – an episode of uncontrollable shaking brought on by a high temperature.
Georgina phoned the doctors' out-of-hours service who asked them to check for a rash but as Liam didn't have one they diagnosed swine flu.
The symptoms persisted and, after a second phone call, the doctors recommended continuing to take paracetamol and nurofen.
By Tuesday morning Liam had stopped being sick, his temperature had lowered and he was being his cheeky self. In return, he was teased about being sick in the school holidays.
He had walked downstairs to lie on the sofa with a blanket and was watching some television when he told Georgina he was going to have a nap.
Georgina, who had been sat on the floor next to the sofa, discovered that Liam was motionless shortly afterwards and hurriedly called for an ambulance.
Andy, 50, said: "In the absence of a vaccine we need to make sure people are more aware of the disease and how quickly it can strike.
"Unfortunately Liam didn't have any of the traditional symptoms you associate with meningitis, which is why we need to safeguard people against the disease before it can take hold.
"It's been a difficult year but we've been really comforted by everyone's support and enthusiasm for fundraising."
All money raised will go towards Meningitis UK's Search 4 a Vaccine Campaign. It aims to raise £7million to fund vital research into developing a vaccine against Meningitis B - the most common form of meningitis in the UK and the strain which killed Liam.
Steve Dayman, who founded Meningitis UK, lost his son Spencer to the disease in 1982 and has since dedicated his life to raising funds to help develop a vaccine to eradicate the deadly disease.
He said: "Meningitis can often be incredibly difficult to detect as the symptoms are hard to distinguish from more minor ailments such as the common cold or flu, as Liam's case sadly illustrates. Plus there are occasions when people show no or very few symptoms.
"For these reasons we believe that the only way to eradicate the disease completely is through the development of a preventative vaccine and the awareness trailer is a big part of our public education programme."
Free wallet-sized symptoms cards will be available to Asda shoppers from the customer service desk and baby changing rooms.
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 handy wallet-sized symptoms cards.
To order your free symptoms information pack, or to support the Search 4 a Vaccine Campaign, call 0117 373 7373 or visit www.meningitisUK.org.
MeningitisUK · Registered Charity No.1076774
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