Volunteers from across the country help pave the way for raising funds for Meningitis UK
Kind-hearted volunteers from across the country who have given up their free time to help fundraise for Meningitis UK have made an outstanding contribution to the charity.
National Volunteers' Week runs until Saturday (June 7) and Meningitis UK is thanking all its supporters for their hard work, including organising events, raising awareness of meningitis and its symptoms and raising the profile of the charity throughout their communities.
Supporters who have been touched by meningitis have organised auctions, street parties and walks while pubs across the country have collection tins sitting on their bars. Volunteers also sit on the Board of Trustees and Meningitis UK's Scientific Medical Advisory Panel. Time given by enthusiastic volunteers would equate to a salary of about £15,000, which allows more money to be pumped back into research to find a vaccine.
Meningitis UK's Chief Executive Steve Dayman said "Our volunteers never fail to amaze us with their hard work and commitment and we wouldn't have got as far as we have today without their support.
"All their effort and energy is greatly appreciated and we want to thank every one of our volunteers for giving their free time to join our cause. Many of our supporters have been touched by meningitis and know how devastating the disease can be and how quickly it can strike.
"Anyone who is thinking of volunteering could help out in a whole host of ways, plus it's a great way of meeting new people and a lot of fun besides!"
Last year Meningitis UK launched its Search 4 a Vaccine Campaign to help raise £7million to fund vital research into developing a vaccine against Meningitis B - the most common form of meningitis in the UK. This accounts for almost 90 per cent of all cases in the UK and there is still no vaccine.
Volunteers could help by cheering on participants at sponsored events, such as the BUPA Great North Run or Flora London Marathon, promoting the charity's awareness trailer, shaking collection buckets, managing collection boxes, or distributing awareness literature.
To find out more call Meningitis UK on 0117 373 7373 or visit www.meningitisUK.org
MeningitisUK · Registered Charity No.1076774
