October 1st, 2012 was the worst day of our lives. We left home around 9am, kissing Jessica goodbye, as she came in from riding out. She said “I’ve got a bad headache Mum.” Those were the last words she spoke. She had died by 6pm that evening from meningitis.
Meningitis can kill in hours and we will never understand how a beautiful, healthy young person like our daughter could pass away so suddenly. We miss her more than words can say and always will.
Our family has had a strong association with Meningitis Research Foundation since we lost Jessica in 2012. Through the generosity of all those who have supported our fundraising, vital research has been undertaken to help in the fight to defeat meningitis. But further research is still urgently needed and we remain determined that no family should have to go through what we did.
We are therefore very pleased to announce that the proceeds from the 2022 Jessica Bethell Charitable Foundation Dinner will be used to set up a research funding call in Jessica’s memory. MRF will be inviting the scientific community to apply for funding to conduct important research that crucially, will advance understanding of MenB disease, and its prevention. MRF’s esteemed Scientific Advisory Panel will then select the most promising research project.
If you would like to join us in the fight against this disease and fund MRF’s vital research programmes then please click on the link above.
Thank you.
Sally and James Bethell