Meningitis can strike in an instant but its impact can last a lifetime. As many as 500,000 people living in the UK today have had either viral or bacterial meningitis at some time in their lives. In addition up to 10 million adults in the UK – one adult in every four – knows of someone who has had the disease and may have been impacted.

Most people survive meningitis but thousands are left with debilitating after effects including deafness, blindness, limb loss, learning difficulties, memory issues and behavioural problems. The impact may also cause relationship difficulties and an enforced change of lifestyle.

At the same time experience of this dreadful disease can have an impact on families, friends, work colleagues and the community in which they live.

The Meningitis Trust is here to support every individual touched by meningitis and the Trust’s services and support are a lifeline to help them rebuild their lives. It also raises awareness of the signs and symptoms of meningitis and associated septicaemia.

October 2007 marked our 21st anniversary in the UK and our long term strategy is very clear - to be there for people who have been affected by meningitis even after the introduction of vaccines. We know from all the people we work with just how important this is and the difference we make to people’s lives.