MSP becomes meningitis champion

Dunfermline Member of Scottish Parliament, Bill Walker, has joined the fight against meningitis by becoming a Meningitis Champion for national charity the Meningitis Trust.

This important role, which is part of the charity’s Meningitis Changes Futures campaign, will see meningitis kept high on the political agenda, whilst supporting victims and their families and helping to educate others on the dangers of the disease.

The campaign, aimed at highlighting the true impact of meningitis and creating positive change for victims and their loved ones, was launched last year after research by the charity found that more than a third of bacterial meningitis victims are left with after-effects, a number that was previously thought to be much lower.

After successfully delivering a petition to Downing Street earlier this year, calling for better support at school for child victims of meningitis, the Meningitis Trust has since asked MPs and MSPs to become Meningitis Champions on behalf of the 1,700 children who contract the disease each year, helping to create positive change for them and ensuring they are able to reach their full potential.

Giving support to the Meningitis Changes Futures campaign, MSP Bill Walker said; “Meningitis is a devastating disease, so anything I can do to help survivors is hugely worthwhile. I was very happy to give my backing to this cause as I was shocked to learn that around 500,000 people living in the UK have had meningitis and more than a third of children who survive it are left with after-effects. This really is a disease that needs more attention.”

Sue Davie, Chief Executive of the Meningitis Trust, said: “We know that it’s only together that we can make a difference and ensure our ambitious plans come to life, so our new army of Meningitis Champions have a key part to play.  Meningitis changes lives. The Meningitis Trust changes futures, which is why our campaign is so crucial.”

The Meningitis Trust helps to rebuild thousands of lives by providing free support for life through its tailored services and community support.  Every year 20,000 people benefit from its commitment to fighting back against meningitis. The Trust is determined to reach out to the 500,000 people in the UK who have had meningitis and those who continue to contract it, providing support however it is needed.