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Olivia Giles scoops Volunteer Fundraiser of the Year award

06 December 2004

Olivia Giles, a Foundation member who suffered quadruple amputations after contracting meningococcal septicaemia, was awarded the well-deserved title of Volunteer Fundraiser of the Year at the Institute of Fundraising Scotland Conference 2004 at Dunblane Hilton Hydro on 1 November.

Nominated jointly by Meningitis Research Foundation and Meningitis Trust, Olivia's hugely successful fundraising event Leap for Meningitis raised the incredible sum of £470,000. The money raised will help fund research into meningitis and septicaemia; provide emotional and financial support to families affected by the disease and raise awareness of the symptoms.

Accepting the award on behalf of Olivia, Jacqui Clark, Scotland Manager of Meningitis Research Foundation, praised Olivia's determination and energy, "Olivia has been an inspiration to many and has ensured that her own experience of contracting meningococcal septicaemia has been channelled positively to help prevent others going through what she did.

Leap for Meningitis and Olivia's subsequent tireless efforts to raise both funding and awareness have had a significant impact on our work and we are very appreciative of her support."

What progress is being made?

Since it was founded in 1989, the charity has awarded 122 research grants, leading to many advances in the prevention, detection and treatment of meningitis and septicaemia. The total value of the Foundation's investment in vital scientific research is nearly £13.5/€19 million.

 

Find out more about our programme of research.