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It's 'bean' a great event - thanks to all who made Coffee Break a huge success
22 June 2009
National charity, the Meningitis Trust, is thanking everyone who helped make its 2009 Coffee Break event a huge success, raising nearly £65,000 for its work.
Supporters up and down the country held Coffee Breaks at home, in work, with friends, family and neighbours - all to raise vital funds for the Meningitis Trust charity; enabling it to continue offering support to people in the UK who are struggling with the impact of meningitis.
This year, Coffee Break celebrated its 15th anniversary and had the support of BBC News Presenter and Mum of two, Louise Minchin. Louise says; “As a mother of young children, every time they have a rash, a high temperature or are really unwell, I worry about meningitis because I know the devastating effect it can have. The Meningitis Trust offers support to people who have been affected by the disease, but, its vital work is reliant on voluntary donations, so events such as Coffee Break are essential to its future”.
Coffee Break is one of the Trust’s most popular annual events and has raised over £1.2 million for its work. The funds raised from the event will make a big difference to the lives of thousands of individuals and families across the UK who are living with the devastation of meningitis right now. It’s a disease that strikes quickly; affecting anyone, of any age, at any time. It can leave those who survive with after-effects ranging from memory loss and concentration problems to hearing and sight loss, brain damage and where septicaemia (blood poisoning) has occurred, loss of limbs and scarring. The Trust supports anyone affected by the disease through its range of free support services, but it cannot do this alone – it relies on the generosity of individuals, groups and organisations to continue its work.
Roza Woodley, Coffee Break Event Organiser at the Meningitis Trust, says: “We are delighted with how the event has gone this year – especially with the economic climate as it is. With nearly £65,000 raised so far and money still coming in, we really can’t believe how generous people have been.
“However, meningitis is still shattering thousands of lives every year across the UK – striking within in minutes and killing within hours. For those who are left to pick up the pieces, the work of the Trust is essential. We’re determined to be here for people who have been affected by the disease – when they need it and for as long as they need it. Thanks to the people who got involved with our Coffee Break this year, we’re able to do this. Our supporters really are our lifeblood and we couldn’t do what we do without them” Roza continues.
The Meningitis Trust helps around 20,000 people each year, supporting anyone affected by this life-changing disease through its free professional after care and support services. These include: a freephone 24-hour nurse-led helpline (0800 028 18 28), counselling, financial support grants, home visits, one-to-one contacts and now art therapy for children.
To find out more about the work of the Meningitis Trust and how to get involved, visit its website at www.meningitis-trust.org, or call its switchboard on 01453 768000.
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