Meningitis Now

Meningitis Now is the UK's leading meningitis charity, dedicated to saving lives and rebuilding futures.

Every year, people of all ages are affected by this devastating disease. It can strike quickly, and its impact can be life-changing. Many people face bereavement, long-term disabilities, emotional trauma and financial challenges because of the devastating impact of meningitis.

Meningitis Now provides support at every stage of the meningitis journey. For families grieving the loss of a loved one, its Bereavement Support service offers specialist guidance, information and opportunities to connect with others who understand their experiences. For those living with the after-effects of meningitis, the charity's nurse-led Helpline provides expert advice, practical support and reassurance when it is needed most.

Meningitis Now also offer the Rebuilding Futures Fund, providing financial support for people following meningitis. The Fund can help families access specialist equipment, therapies and opportunities that support recovery, independence and wellbeing – as well as contributions towards funeral costs and headstones for those who have lost loved ones to meningitis.

Alongside these services, the charity funds vital research into meningitis, works to raise awareness of the disease, and brings people together through community support programmes, events and opportunities to connect with others who share similar experiences.

Since 1986, Meningitis Now has supported thousands of people across the UK. By combining emotional, practical and financial support with research and awareness, the charity strives to ensure that nobody has to face meningitis and its aftermath alone.

I'm Seema Jaswal, and I'm proud to be supporting Meningitis Now through this BBC Lifeline Appeal. Having experienced meningitis myself when I was 16, I know how serious the disease can be and why the support Meningitis Now provides is so important.

Meningitis can affect anyone, at any age, and the consequences can be devastating for individuals and families. Meningitis Now provides vital support to people whose lives have been changed by the disease, whether they are coping with bereavement, living with lasting health impacts or facing financial pressures during their recovery.

Thankfully, I recovered, but I know that many people are not as fortunate, and some continue to live with its impact for the rest of their lives.

In this appeal, you'll meet families who have experienced meningitis in different ways and see how Meningitis Now helps them rebuild their futures and find support when they need it most.

Five-year-old Arthur's life changed significantly after he developed pneumococcal meningoencephalitis in 2022. The disease damaged his inner ears, leaving him profoundly deaf and creating new challenges for Arthur and his family.

Through Meningitis Now's Rebuilding Futures Fund, the family received financial support towards Auditory Verbal Therapy (AVT) for Arthur. The fund helps people affected by meningitis access specialist support that can improve quality of life and help them move forward after the disease.

For Arthur and mum, Alex, this support has made a meaningful difference. AVT has supported Arthur's speech and language development, helping him build confidence and communicate more effectively. Reflecting on the support, Alex said: "The therapy has made such a difference to Arthur. This support is genuinely life-changing for him."

Their story demonstrates how recovery from meningitis often extends far beyond the initial illness – and how support from Meningitis Now can help families rebuild their lives.

David and Russell's lives changed dramatically when David contracted pneumococcal meningitis and septicaemia in 2024. Following his discharge from hospital, Russell found himself supporting his husband through the life-changing after-effects of the disease.

Since David left hospital, Meningitis Now's nurse-led Helpline has continued to provide specialist advice, reassurance and support. Access to registered Meningitis Now nurses has given Russell ongoing guidance and trusted information as he cares for David.

Russell said: “Really want to say how wonderful you and your team have been. I don’t think the two of us would have survived the trials this has thrown at us without your support.”

The charity has also supported them with therapy and specialist equipment through its Rebuilding Futures Fund.

Their story shows how support is often needed long after hospital treatment ends and demonstrates the difference that continued access to specialist meningitis support, information and practical assistance can make.

Graeme and Gail's lives changed forever when their 23-year-old daughter, Katherine, died from pneumococcal meningoencephalitis in 2016. Alongside their grief, they were left trying to make sense of a devastating loss that had come with little warning.

Following Katherine's death, they found help through Meningitis Now's Bereavement Support. The charity provided access to specialist information and emotional support while connecting them with others who understood the devastation of losing a loved one to meningitis.

Bereavement following meningitis can be particularly difficult, with families often struggling to process what has happened whilst adapting to life without the person they have lost. Meningitis Now is here to ensure that nobody faces that journey alone.

Graeme and Gail's story highlights the lasting impact meningitis can have on a family and demonstrates how compassionate support can help people navigate grief, remember loved ones and find strength in the company of others who truly understand.