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Strong Local Voice, Strong Local ChampionAnnette Brooke, Lib Dem MP for Mid Dorset & North Poole |
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Local MP Annette Brooke becomes a Meningitis Champion and pledges support
October 31, 2012 11:06 AM
Local MP Annette Brooke joined meningitis victims, celebrities Lisa Snowdon, Ian Rush MBE, Joanna Trollope and Ken Loach and health and teaching professionals in the House of Commons to fight back against meningitis as part of the Meningitis Trust's Meningitis Changes Futures campaign.
The campaign, which aims to highlight the true impact of meningitis and create positive change for victims and their loved ones, was launched last year after research by the charity found that more than a third of bacterial meningitis victims are left with after-effects, a number that was previously thought to be much lower.
After successfully delivering a petition to Downing Street earlier this year calling for better support at school for child victims of meningitis, the Meningitis Trust gathered supporters of the campaign together this week to continue its fight against the disease. The charity asked MPs to become Meningitis Champions on behalf of the 1,700 children who contract the disease each year; helping to create positive change for them and ensuring they are able to reach their full potential.
The House of Commons event also introduced a new resource the charity's currently developing, which will improve the lives of every child survivor of meningitis in the UK once available next year. The meningitis journal, referred to as the Yellow Book, will provide young meningitis victims and their parents with an in-depth and interactive guide following the disease. This will be the first of its kind for meningitis victims and has received support from several Royal Colleges.
Giving support to the Meningitis Changes Futures campaign, Annette says; "Meningitis is a devastating disease, so anything I can do to help survivors is hugely worthwhile. I was very happy to give my backing to this cause as I was shocked to learn that around 500,000 people living in the UK have had meningitis and more than a third of children who survive it are left with after-effects. This really is a disease that needs more attention."
Sue Davie, Chief Executive of the Meningitis Trust, said: "We know that it's only together that we can make a difference and ensure our ambitious plans come to life, so our new army of Meningitis Champions have a key part to play. Meningitis changes lives. The Meningitis Trust changes futures, which is why our campaign is so crucial."
The Meningitis Trust helps to rebuild thousands of lives by providing free support for life through its tailored services and community support. Every year 20,000 people benefit from its commitment to fighting back against meningitis and the Trust is determined to reach out to the 500,000 people in the UK who have had meningitis, and those who continue to contract it, providing support however it is needed.