Meet our Ambassadors

Ambassadors are our most valued awareness raisers and fundraisers.

All Ambassadors are members of MRF, have experience of meningitis and are working with MRF to defeat this disease.

An MRF ambassador is a volunteer with personal experience of meningitis or septicaemia who has been chosen to represent the charity at a regional level. An ambassador will already have completed at least three volunteering events or activities for MRF before they become an ambassador.

Together our Ambassadors are a nationwide network of individuals all with the commitment and scope to unite communities against meningitis and septicaemia and spread life-saving awareness and information.

 Ambassadors receive ongoing support in their role and a dedicated member of the team to contact if they have any questions or interest in events.
 

Amy Jenkins

"I decided to become an ambassador after MRF had supported me and my family through all the tough times after I had meningitis in 2011. The help and support they provided me with was invaluable and made such a difference that I wanted to give that to others going through what I did.

"The most rewarding part for me was being a befriender. Being able to talk to someone who is in the early stages after meningitis was amazing. I hope I provided them with some tips with prosthetics and also showed them that life does go on after meningitis and limb loss.

"I think the main thing that surprised me was meeting some amazing children at the Pushing the Boundaries day and seeing how well they have adapted after meningitis. It was truly inspiring!

"I would absolutely recommend anyone to become an ambassador. The team at MRF are so supportive and you get to meet some inspirational people, and educate others on meningitis."

Amy lives in Fleet, Hampshire.

"I wanted to give that to others going through what I did." - Amy Davis

Catherine Aithal

"In 2001, my nephew died from pneumococcal meningitis when he was just 3 years old. I then started doing crazy fundraising things for MRF (jumping out of planes, long cycle rides, running the London Marathon) and when they started the ambassadors’ scheme I was excited to join in. My aim is, by raising awareness, to try and stop any other family going through the heart break we have had to endure.

"The most rewarding thing for me is when every time I do a speech or talk at a school about my experiences. I have people say to me how much more knowledgable about the disease and symptoms they are now, or they go and have their kids vaccinated. That's when I feel as though I’ve made a difference

"I have learned the amazing resilience of people who have suffered the loss of their loved ones or their loved ones have suffered life changing consequences after contracting meningitis. Quite simply, I have been blown away by the love, care and passion they have for making a difference, for being part of MRF and doing so much to try to ensure other families don’t suffer in the same way they have.

"Being an ambassador is an incredibly fulfilling role. I have been able to do it whilst jugging the arrival of 3 children and working full time. MRF are not a pushy charity, rather they allow you to fulfil as little or as much of the role as you wish. They are always there to help you and support you in whatever you decide to do, be that an awareness talk, fundraising or talking to the press."

Catherine lives in Oxfordshire.

"My aim is, by raising awareness, to try and stop any other family going through the heart break we have had to endure." - Catherine Aithal

Charlotte Hannibal

"I saw an opportunity to contribute to the fight against meningitis.

"Hearing stories about people’s friends or relatives who got themselves vaccinated against meningitis after hearing me speak about the need to get it done has been most rewarding! Also, seeing people protect themselves against the disease following something I have said is something that continues to blow my mind!

"I’ve had the opportunity to learn some of the science behind the disease I was subject to, which I am incredibly grateful for. Continuing to learn more about my medical conditions and why they happen helps me deal with the difficulties that can arise from my chronic illness.

"I’ve also learned that after my recovery, I suddenly started enjoying public speaking! It’s a skill the MRF team got me to try out, and I can’t thank them enough, as it has opened up a whole new world for me, and given me so much confidence!

"I would absolutely recommend the ambassador program! The experiences that I’ve been involved in have been so rewarding and enjoyable, and I feel consistently supported by the charity’s team."

Charlotte lives in Nottinghamshire.

" Seeing people protect themselves against the disease following something I have said is something that continues to blow my mind!" - Charlotte Hannibal

Christine Etheridge

"I decided to become an Ambassador after Ben, my son, then 4 years old, contracted meningococcal septicaemia in 2004.

"The most rewarding part of being an ambassador is the befriending service and giving talks to groups/schools and colleges about awareness. The most surprising thing that I have learnt about being an ambassador, is how many people are actually affected by meningitis.

"I would definitely recommend becoming an ambassador to others. Mainly because, the rewards are astonishing. The number of people affected is incredible when you get talking to people.

"I have been an ambassador since 2004 ish. But I can’t always do as much as I used to. However, there is never any pressure to do more. I do what I can as a single parent with my own 50 hour a week business, and I wouldn’t change it for the world.

"The people at MRF are fantastically dedicated and caring. But they also understand that us ambassadors have limitations. The answer to any new ambassadors who may read this is simply to do what you can, when you can!"

Christine lives in Cheshire.

"The most rewarding part of being an ambassador is the befriending service and giving talks to groups/schools and colleges about awareness." - Christine Etheridge

Dawn Whiteman

Dawn lost her granddaughter, Maya Ford, on 2nd August 2012, aged just 21 months. Maya passed away from meningitis very suddenly – in just 16 hours. 

“She was our world, our life, our everything… we will never forget that day, our family will never be the same without her in our lives. We don’t want other families to endure the same pain and heartbreak that we are going through, so until I take my last breath I will raise money for this great cause.”

Dawn became our ambassador in November 2013. Since Maya sadly passed away, Dawn and her friends and family have raised an incredible £75,600 as of November 2015. Dawn is known for taking over Northumberland Heath High Street during Awareness Week to educate shoppers about the symptoms, as well organising a number of annual fundraising events, including Banger racing, Golf Days and auctioning chocolate hampers.

Dawn has also organised Maya’s ball and a pamper and clairvoyant evening.

Dawn ran the Brighton half marathon and Reading half marathon, and contributed to the success of our #WheresOurVaccine campaign by writing to her local MP. She decorates a yearly Maya’s Meningitis Awareness Christmas Tree to go in Christ Church Christmas Tree Festival, and organises Carols for Maya.

"We don’t want other families to endure the same pain and heartbreak that we are going through." - Dawn Whiteman

Dianne Spalding

"I became an ambassador after the sudden death of my husband John in December 2014.

"John was a GP and first became ill at 3am on the 23rd of December with a temperature. He continued having little more than a temperature and feeling mildly sick until he woke at 1pm the next day. I went up into the bedroom to see him and immediately exclaimed to call an ambulance. He continued to deteriorate rapidly until he eventually died. His cause of death was of MenW, which attacks all age groups and is vicious.

"I have since learnt a lot about meningitis through MRF and I can score 10/10 on recognising all the symptoms. However, I do realise, that John did not present all the alerting symptoms, that would make you consider meningitis straight away. He was an experienced GP and I was a physiotherapist, but even so, I’m not sure that I would recognise it if it had happened to me again.

"MRF have been very supportive to myself and our 3 boys and they have helped me to learn and understand more about the disease. I decided to become an ambassador to increase awareness and encourage people at risk to get vaccinated, as I believe this is the best way forward. John, a passionate doctor, would want me to do this if it could possibly save other families from going  through our experience.

"I have found that going to schools and universities to encourage the uptake of the MenACYW vaccine very rewarding. I am now involved in the research project, 'B on the Team'. Anything that can be done to make people aware of meningitis and the vaccination programme is vital.

"As an ambassador, I have met several survivors of meningitis and I am in awe of their strength and resilience. Also, I have met other families who have lost a loved one to meningitis and they are passionate about trying to prevent unnecessary deaths or disabilities through the disease.

"Being an ambassador allows you to meet others with similar experiences and see how positive they are. It also allows you to become an engaged and useful member of society at a time in your life when you wanted to hide away."

Dianne lives in Worcester.

"John, a passionate doctor, would want me to do this if it could possibly save other families from going through our experience." - Dianne Spalding

Gina Weston

"The loss of two of my sons to meningitis, Joe aged 8 weeks and Ryan aged 19 years was the reason for throwing myself into fundraising for the Foundation. I felt that in memory of my boys I needed to raise awareness of this dreadful disease.

"Together with friends and family, we have raised over £127,000 so far and will continue to do so in memory of all those affected by meningitis.

"The most rewarding aspect of being an ambassador is to represent the Foundation at fundraising events, to give general support as well as awareness talks and to gratefully accept any donations.

"I would recommend this program to anyone who can give up a bit of their free time to occasionally be part of a great team all striving for the same cause.

"To see the MenB vaccine become approved was an incredibly emotional time for me and my family. Sadly, it was too late for Ryan and it is still not freely available to all ages. That would be my wish if I was granted one, so that's why awareness is so important to me."

Gina lives in Norfolk.

"I felt that in memory of my boys I needed to raise awareness of this dreadful disease." - Gina Weston

Helena Campbell - MRF Ambassador

Helena Campbell

"Meningitis has been part of my life since the age of 6, when my Dad, aged only 32 suffered a delay in diagnosis of Meningitis B and septicaemia. He was given 10 minutes to live, and was not only incredibly lucky to survive, but to also keep both of his legs. He continues to live with the life changing consequences of the disease, but is an inspiration as, despite that, he has continued to managed an extremely successful career in the Royal Navy, including the honour of an OBE.

Once my Dad came home, I was part of his care and rehabilitation, and some 2 years later we promised that we would go on to support other families affected by the disease. Growing up, we have hosted various fundraising and awareness campaigns, and that is something I wanted to continue.

I am now a medical negligence lawyer, specialising in cases involving children, meningitis, sepsis and life changing brain injuries. At a young age, I understood the importance of medical staff understanding the signs and symptoms of this disease, and I am motivated by helping to spread awareness.

As both a very proud ambassador, and a be-friender, I hope that my personal experience and professional understanding will go on to support other families.

I have helped to arrange fundraising events, attending freshers fairs to spread the word and encourage vaccination, gone to schools and universities to talk about the disease and helped with numerous campaigns.

Myself and my Dad share a love of cars, and some 30 years on, enjoy raising funds on the Grand Tour, driving classic cars on a cryptic maze through France and Spain.

I hope that, in my role as an ambassador for this outstanding charity, I will be able to support other families affected by the disease. Lets defeat meningitis by 2030!”

"Once my Dad came home, I was part of his care and rehabilitation, and some 2 years later we promised that we would go on to support other families affected by the disease." - Helena Campbell

Ian Alexander

"In April 2016, I ran the London Marathon for another charity and was looking at raising funds for a charity that was close to my heart. During the race I noticed MRF vests and being a survivor of meningitis myself, this charity could be one I support. I got the contact details off the website and made contact. Initially, I was only going to raise funds for the charity. However, when I received the welcome pack I read about other opportunities and one of the opportunities that I saw was to become an ambassador. I made enquiries and thought that would be good for me to do. I became an ambassador on 4th of September and I love every minute of it.

"The work is varied and you get as much support as you want or need. You really are the eyes and ears of the charity. One week you might put on a fundraising night, the following week you might be cheering runners on and then you might do a series of talks. That is not all we do as ambassadors but there are many options and opportunities. I love being an ambassador.

"I started the London Marathon for MRF in April and at the 5 mile mark she was there with mum and dad to thank me. Unfortunately, I was injured at 3 miles and carried on to 15 miles before being stopped by following medical advice from St John Ambulance. The thanks was better than finishing the Marathon.

"I love working as an ambassador for this charity. I find working as an ambassador extremely rewarding and when I put on my purple t-shirt and ambassador badge I feel so privileged, proud and honoured to represent this great charity."

Ian lives in Stevenage, Hertfordshire.

"I feel so privileged, proud and honoured to represent this great charity." - Ian Alexander

Julie Tucker

"I became an ambassador having been asked directly by MRF, further to having done a few fundraising events after the tragic death of my brother-in-law, Marcel, from meningitis on Boxing Day 2009.

"The most rewarding thing for me has been being a tiny cog in the MenB campaign wheel and the joy we felt when we learned it had been approved by Parliament. Also, meeting so many inspirational people who have survived meningitis and gone on to do amazing things.

"What has surprised me the most is just how many people’s lives have been touched by meningitis. So many people have a meningitis story to tell of a brother, a mum, a friend at uni... It’s very sad.

"I would absolutely recommend becoming an ambassador to other people. For me it’s about trying to prevent another family from having to go through what mine did. If what I’ve done as an ambassador has helped saved just one life then what more could anyone want?"

Julie lives in London.

"The most rewarding thing for me has been being a tiny cog in the MenB campaign wheel and the joy we felt when we learned it had been approved by Parliament" - Julie Tucker

Martin Yaxley

"I had meningitis at a very young age, which resulted in complete loss of hearing in my right ear. As I got older, I realised that I wanted to give back and help raise awareness about meningitis and so I became an ambassador.

"The most rewarding thing to date has been meeting different people that have a personal link to the foundation. Some of which have told me their stories, which had been untold before.

"The thing that has surprised me (in a good way) about being an ambassador, is how open everyone has been when it comes to learning and finding out more about meningitis. Also, I was surprised by the amount of people out there that want to do their bit to raise money for the charity.

"I would without a doubt recommend becoming an ambassador. If you're passionate and want to do your part, then go for it."

Martin lives in Great Yarmouth, Norfolk. He is a keen runner who was able to fulfill his dream of participating in the Virgin London Marathon of 2018. Besides running, he is a self proclaimed geek when it comes to reading about superheroes and collecting graphic novels/comics. Ever since he was a young boy is favourite superhero has been Batman.

"I realised that I wanted to give back and help raise awareness about meningitis and so I became an ambassador" - Martin Yaxley

Melinda Lancaster

"It had been very important to us from the beginning of Amelia's illness to help in any way we could to raise awareness about meningitis.

"From letting student doctors be allowed to observe her treatment, to allowing photos to be taken pre and post op for many of the treatments she has endured or by telling our story to anyone who was willing to listen.

"One of the most rewarding things about being an Ambassador has been the amazing friends and support network we have made through the charity. It has helped us feel less alone and it feels great to know all the interviews and pushing for the menB vaccine to become routine was worth it in the end. We had a voice and we all made a difference together.

"One of the most surprising things to me was learning how many different after effects there can be and how each and every case is so different and nothing is ever straight forward when it comes to the disease. Amelia first took ill 8 years ago and we're still learning new effects it has had on her body and trying to correct other issues it has caused. It feels like a gift that keeps giving but not one you want.

"I would definitely recommend it to others it's has been an amazing experience over the years and I love the MRF family."

Melinda lives in North Yorkshire.

"One of the most rewarding things about being an Ambassador has been the amazing friends and support network we have made through the charity. " - Melinda Lancaster

Onaiza Fice

Onaiza Fice

I’m married and my husband’s name is Jonathan. I have three daughters, Sophie, Taanya and Lana. I also had a son, Zain who died very suddenly and unexpectedly from Septicaemia when he was a month old. Following his death, I sought support from the Meningitis Research Foundation (MRF) and later became an ambassador for the MRF charity.

I’m a corporate trainer and in my current role, I head up the Learning and Development function at a professional services firm in London. I’m an advocate of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, and wellbeing initiatives to support staff in the workplace.

My hobbies include going on long walks with our dog Monty, enjoying the cinema and spending time with my husband and daughters.

Sarah Bailey

"I became an ambassador to help raise awareness amongst our local community.

"The highlight of this program has been visiting the Houses of Parliament in 2012 to meet with our MPs to campaign for the MenB vaccine.

"Me and my family think it that being an ambassador is a very valuable support role for others, as well as helping to raise awareness.

"People can read the story of my daughter, Ella (pictured), in the Book of Expereince. Treatment is still ongoing 19 years later."

Sarah lives in South Gloucestershire.

"Me and my family think it that being an ambassador is a very valuable support role for others, as well as helping to raise awareness." - Sarah Bailey

The MRF Membership and Support team are here for you for any questions you might have about meningitis and septicaemia and their effects on you or your family and friends.

You don’t need to face meningitis and sepsis alone
MRF Information and Support Officer, Katherine Carter reports on our latest family day for those affected by meningitis and septicaemia
MRF Chief Executive Vinny Smith explains how we're going to defeat meningitis by 2030.
Connect families affected by meningitis so they don’t feel alone
Connect families affected by meningitis so they don’t feel alone
£58 funds one support worker to attend our ‘Meningitis Meet-Ups’ – a chance for families affected by meningitis to meet each other for informal peer support.