WE would like to pass on our thanks to everyone in Gloucestershire who has supported Meningitis Now during 2015.

It is only through people’s kindness and generosity that we’re able to fight the disease on all fronts, funding preventative research, raising awareness and supporting survivors and their families.

With your continued support we’re determined to drive towards our vision in 2016, where no one dies of meningitis and everyone affected receives the support they need to rebuild their lives.

2015 has been a landmark year in the fight against meningitis, with the introduction of the lifesaving meningitis B vaccine for babies. This could, over the next decade, prevent over 4,000 children under five contracting the disease. We’ve also seen the ACWY vaccine introduced for people aged 17 and 18 (school year 13) and older university entrants (aged 19 to 25), another at risk group.

This is no small achievement, but the battle to beat the killer disease is far from over. Meningitis can strike anyone at any time.

To donate, or for a free symptoms information pack or more information, please visit www.MeningitisNow.org

SUE DAVIE

Chief Executive Meningitis Now