Book of Experience launch party

05 June 2009

GMTV's Dr Hilary Jones hosted the launch of our online Book of Experience at a party for MRF patrons and members at the Royal Over-seas League, London on 4 June, as part of our 20th anniversary celebrations.

Dr Hilary spoke about the progress made by MRF in the fight against meningitis and septicaemia - advancements in the prevention, detection and treatment of the diseases, and our goal of becoming an international force in the fight against meningitis.

Patron Norman Pace made a moving speech about his daughter Holly who suffered from meningitis and septiacemia as a child and was left physically and mentally disabled. You can read about Holly's story here.

Prof George Griffin, Head of Division of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, St. George's, University of London, gave a talk about the process of selecting and funding research.

100 MRF trustees, patrons, staff and members were then treated to a demonstration of the Book of Experience by Deputy Head of Development Ian Beningfield. See the Book of Experience in action.

The Book of Experience, the first online meningitis patient experience database of its kind, presents a unique picture of the way that meningitis and septicaemia have affected individuals, families and whole communities in the UK and Republic of Ireland. Our members tell their stories online about their experiences of the diseases and the impact it has had on them and their lives. Stories span the last 20 years.

“The launch helped us explore patient experience of the disease over the last twenty years through our Book of Experience,” commented, Chief Executive, Christopher Head. “However, it also helped us focus on the burden of disease in the UK and globally, and what lies next for MRF.”

To read more about our achievements over the last twenty years, and see our plans for the future, download our 20th Anniversary edition of Members' magazine Microscope.

Videos from the event to follow.