Happy New Year

WE’D like to take this opportunity to wish you a very happy New Year and also say a massive thank you for your support last year.

It is only through your kind help that we can continue the fight against meningitis.

We look forward to your continuing support in 2016.

The year ahead …

2016 marks the 30th anniversary of the founding of Meningitis Now and the meningitis movement in the UK.

We have a full programme of events to highlight this milestone, including a garden at RHS Chelsea in May and a social network campaign designed to reconnect with those who have supported our work.

Rebuilding Futures

Our next Rebuilding Futures day takes place on Saturday, March 12, at Blackpool Zoo in Lancashire.

The day is for individuals and their families recovering from meningitis and focuses on the challenges people face and how we and our partners can help.

Learn more about aspects of recovery and after-effects, and gain practical skills and information.

Students risking life by ignoring vaccine

We’ve renewed our call for students to take action to protect themselves from a deadly strain of meningitis this winter, as figures for England suggest that less than half of those eligible to receive the free ACWY vaccine have yet to do so.

Research progress

We’re currently gathering peer reviews on the applications we received for our research grant round.

External expert opinion on all the research applications is a vital part of ensuring the research we fund is of the highest standards.

Our Scientific Medical Advisory Panel will meet in March - we’ll keep you updated on progress.

Hanging on the line?

Did you get a new phone for Christmas or have you got an unwanted mobile gathering dust at home?

Why not put it to good use and help raise money to fight meningitis?

Single phones can be posted to our Stroud office; if you’ve more than one you can drop them into recycling bins at Forest Green Rovers, Lister Communications or our office.

New Year, New You, New Challenge

Burst those January blues by taking on a life-changing challenge.

Adventure is on the horizon and we have a whole raft of treks, runs, cycles, challenges and overseas opportunities available to get your adrenaline pumping

Every penny you raise will help fund vital research, awareness and support.

Overseas events

We’d love you to join our London to Paris cycle team, connecting two of the world’s most exciting cities.

The challenge takes place between April 20 and 24, and covers almost 300 miles.

Not sufficiently overseas for you?

How about the trekking trip of a lifetime between September 8 and 17, along the Great Wall of China.

Closer to home

Closer to home we have a series of fun-filled Tough Mudder challenges between April and September; or you could dive in to Europe’s largest open water sponsored event, the Great North Swim in the Lake District on June 11.

In a spin over what to do?

Join us for Ride London, on July 31, and cycle 100 miles through England’s capital and Surrey.

For more information please visit meningitisnow.org