Wednesday, 9 November 2011

NEW CAMPAIGN FOR MENINGITIS SUFFERERS IN EAST RENFREWSHIRE

NEW CAMPAIGN FOR MENINGITIS SUFFERERS IN EAST RENFREWSHIRE

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07 Nov 2011

A new campaign aiming to highlight the lifetime burden of meningitis on victims, families and friends has got the support of local MP Jim Murphy.

  Meningitis Trust has a new campaign called ‘Here Today, Gone Tomorrow’ highlighting the true lifetime burden of meningitis – on the victim, their family, friends, community and economy.

  This campaign is calling for automatic assessments and appropriate educational support to become routine for every child who survives meningitis.

  Local MP Jim Murphy said: “Meningitis affects 600 local people here in East Renfrewshire.

  “It is important that meningitis victims here get the support they need from the Government.

  “I fully support The Meningitis Trust’s campaign. It has a long-term focus and is committed to ensuring the burden of the disease is properly understood.

  “We need to make sure that victims and their families get the support they deserve.”

  Across the UK, there are over 500,000 people living with the impact of meningitis, along with their families. Meningitis can attack anyone, of any age, at any time – striking within minutes and killing within hours.

Children affected by meningitis are 3 times more likely to have a hearing impairment, over 6 times more likely to have epilepsy, over 4 times more likely to have significant speech and communication problems and almost 4 times more likely to have mental health issues.

  For more information please visit www.meningitis-trust.org

  People are being urged to sign the Meningitis Trust education petition today at www.meningitischangesfutures.co.uk.