North Swindon MP, Justin Tomlinson, who backed the Meningitis Trust’s petition to get child victims of meningitis better support at school, today celebrated its going to Downing Street after it beats the target of 10,000 signatures.
The petition, which is part of the charity’s Meningitis Changes Futures campaign, is fighting to get automatic assessments at school for children who have had meningitis – enabling after-effects from the disease to be flagged up early and the right support put in place.
On Saturday 7th July, 2012 young survivors of the disease were joined by Meningitis Trust Chief Executive, Sue Davie, and the charity’s celebrity Ambassador, Petra Ecclestone, who is a meningitis survivor herself, to deliver the petition to Downing Street; the first step on the journey to making change happen for survivors of the disease.
The petition attracted the attention of meningitis victims and their families from across the UK as well as MPs, health and teaching professionals and celebrities, who put their weight behind it to help create positive change for young victims of the devastating disease. Over 14,000 signatures have been collected so far and the Meningitis Trust is encouraging people who didn’t get chance to sign to visit its website www.MeningitisChangesFutures.co.uk to join the fight against meningitis.
Justin Tomlinson MP said “Meningitis is a devastating disease, so anything we 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 up to 40% 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 are committed to being the voice
for people affected by meningitis – creating noise to influence positive change on their behalf. This petition is the first step in our campaign to highlight the true impact of meningitis and fight for change, and we can’t wait to move the next part of our campaign forward. Watch this space and join us to help give victims of meningitis and their families a better future”.
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 and 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.