Caroline Krieger, Medical Information Officer of Meningitis Research Foundation said: “As a Non-Government funded organisation, Meningitis Research Foundation relies on the generosity of local communities and fundraising events to continue our vital work so we are extremely grateful to Regan for deciding to support our cause and we wish him all the best for his first professional fight.”
Meningitis Research Foundation is working in the community to raise awareness of meningitis and septicaemia (the blood poisoning form of the disease) and offer support to families affected. Not all types of meningitis are vaccine preventable so it is vital that we continue to fund research in this area and support those affected as sadly one in 10 people who contract the disease will die and one in three will be left with life-changing after effects.
Tickets for Regan’s debut fight cost €45 and are available to purchase through Regan or his father, Mark Buckley, via Facebook.
Media contacts:
For further information please contact Caroline Krieger, Medical Information Officer, on: 01 819 6931/ caroline@meningitis-ireland.org
Background Notes:
- MRF estimates that there are approximately 200 cases of bacterial meningitis and septicaemia every year in Ireland. They are easily mistaken for milder illnesses, but unlike a dose of flu can kill within hours and may cause serious, life-long disabilities. As many as one in 10 of those affected will die and a third of survivors will be left with after-effects, some as serious as brain damage, amputations, blindness and hearing loss
- Since December 2016 all babies born in Ireland on or after 1st October 2016 are routinely vaccinated against Meningococcal B (MenB) at 2, 4 and 12 months, as part of the Primary Childhood Immunisation Schedule. However no catch up campaign was introduced for older children
- There are currently 17 projects in MRF’s active research programme. Since the charity was founded in 1989, we have awarded 156 research grants. The total value of our investment in vital scientific research is over €24 million
- MRF also supports those already affected with a telephone helpline, home visits and befriending. Our Freefone helpline – 1800 41 33 44 – provides information to the general public and those affected by the disease. We provide symptoms information, research and case studies on this site
- Donations can be made online but people can also donate €2 from their mobile phone by texting MenB to 50300. Texts cost €2. Meningitis Research Foundation will receive a minimum of €1.63. Service provider: LIKECHARITY. Helpline: 076 6805278