Students from Ireland and UK find out why meningitis matters

11 Mar 2020
Students from Ireland and UK find out why meningitis matters

Students across the UK and Ireland heard from Meningitis Research Foundation Ambassadors to find out more about the real human impact of the disease.  Members of the fundraising team at MRF set up a series of ‘Meningitis Matters’ talks, and met over fifty university students across Ireland, Wales and England.

Meningitis Matters events are a unique opportunity for MRF’s fantastic student communities to listen to the experience of one of MRF’s Ambassadors.  The students learn more about how the money they raise supports people affected by meningitis, MRF’s work to improve prevention, diagnosis and treatment, and the charity’s vision to defeat the disease by 2030.

Teenagers and young adults are one of the higher risk age groups for meningitis and septicaemia, and university students are particularly at risk because they mix with so many other students.

Every year MRF recruits hundreds of students to take part in exciting challenges that take place across the globe - all the while raising funds for the charity and awareness of this deadly disease as they go. Students make an invaluable contribution to the charity.

Feedback from students who attended the events was excellent:

“The Meningitis Matters talk made me feel so much more connected to the cause I am raising for. Hearing Charlotte’s story touched me and made me realise how much of an impact me and my team are truly having on other people’s lives.” – Rhiannon, Bangor University

“The Meningitis Matters talk really highlighted how devastating this disease can be and really motivated me to fundraise towards this amazing cause” – Freya, Warwick University

“I certainly thought the event was interesting and informative. It definitely helped me to learn more about meningitis and it was great to hear from someone who had been impacted by the disease.” - Gavin, Trinity College

We have worked with students for over 20 years and run student challenges for eight, so it’s safe to say that we know our stuff when it comes to student fundraising!
Teenagers and young adults are at increased risk of meningitis and septicaemia - know the symptoms.
Type - Bacterial (meningococcal)
Age group - Young adult
Outcome - Recovery with after effects

"I was rushed to hospital and put into an induced coma for two weeks, before being put into the coma my mum, dad and two sisters came and saw me to say goodbye, I remember being so scared and asking my dad: 'Am I going to die?'"
Type - Bacterial (Meningococcal Group W - MenW)
Age group - Young adult
Outcome - Bereavement

"Gemma had lots of plans, she enjoyed life, worked hard and achieved lots in her 24 years. This all changed in a blink of an eye and she was gone."
Alert students to the importance of meningitis vaccines
Alert students to the importance of meningitis vaccines
Just £10/€12/$13.30 per month alerts 6,000 students to the importance of meningitis vaccines
Media contact
Elaine Devine - Director of Advocacy, Communications & Support
Tel: 0333 405 6248