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Virgin Money Giving
There have been recent changes in the online fundraising world. JustGiving is now facing competition from Virgin Money Giving.
We have reviewed the propositions of both online fundraising websites and believe that Virgin Money Giving is the best option for both fundraisers and the Trust. This decision is based on Virgin Money Giving providing lower costs and great support.
The Meningitis Trust will continue to be able to receive money from both online giving websites, but to make your money go further we recommend you use Virgin Money Giving to promote your fundraising.
Meningitis alert as cold weather continues
With the cold weather set to continue across Britain for another few weeks, national charity, the Meningitis Trust, is warning people to watch out for the signs and symptoms meningitis.
Every year cases of meningitis increase over the winter months. Nearly 60% of the most serious bacterial types occur between October and March, and although the disease affects all ages, over half of those cases will be in children under 5.
Fighting common infections like colds and flu weakens people’s immune systems, leaving them more vulnerable to meningitis. People are also at increased risk as in winter they tend to spend more time indoors and in closer proximity to others, which means germs are spread more easily. With the current cold snap set to continue, more people will be spending time trapped indoors, trying to keep warm, which could potentially mean a higher risk of the disease.
Sue Davie, Chief Executive of the Meningitis Trust, says; “Meningitis is a disease that strikes quickly and can kill, if left untreated, in just a few hours. With experts suggesting that the bad weather could continue for a few weeks, we are urging people to remain vigilant to the symptoms. Worryingly, the symptoms can easily look like other, more common conditions, such as flu or swine flu. But, it’s important to err on the side of caution, be aware of the signs and symptoms of meningitis, and seek medical attention as a matter of urgency if you suspect the disease.”
Common signs and symptoms include fever (possibly with cold hands and feet), vomiting, headache, stiff neck, dislike of bright lights, joint or muscle pain, drowsiness, confusion and, also, in babies, dislike of being handled, pale blotchy skin, unusual cry, and a blank staring expression. Both adults and children may have a rash (septicaemia) that doesn’t fade under pressure. Symptoms can appear in any order and some may not appear at all. Rapid deterioration will take hold if left untreated.
Sue continues; “With access to doctors, hospitals and medical centres limited because of the treacherous roads, it is even more important for people to keep meningitis at the back of their minds and tell their doctor if they are concerned about the disease, as meningitis can take hold very quickly and kill in hours. We would urge people to visit our website www.meningitis-trust.org or call our 24-hour helpline, staffed by nurses, on 0800 028 18 28 to get a full list of symptoms”.
Meningitis and meningococcal septicaemia (blood poisoning) can affect anyone, of any age, at any time. For those who survive the disease, many can be left with life-changing after-effects including brain damage, hearing and sight loss and, where septicaemia has occurred, loss of limbs and scarring.
The Meningitis Trust is committed to raising awareness of the disease and produces a range of awareness information, such as a credit card sized signs and symptoms card. The cards are available FREE by calling the Trust’s freephone 24-hour helpline on 0800 028 18 28 and are designed to be kept in people’s purses and wallets at all times.
