WITH New Year upon us, we wish to thank everyone who has supported Meningitis Now in 2013.

Only through people’s kind help can we fight the dreaded disease on all fronts – funding preventative research, raising awareness and supporting survivors and their families.

We’re amazed by everyone’s generosity and dedication, especially considering the economic climate.

The year has been very positive for the fight, with the first vaccine for Meningitis B – the most common form of bacterial meningitis in the UK – receiving its licence.

It was also made available privately earlier this month, but we continue to argue that it should be offered to all youngsters for free on the NHS.

However, you may have seen some tragic, high-profile cases in the media recently and cases peak during winter.

These stories sadly show that we need to keep developing new and improved vaccines for all strains of meningitis and septicaemia (blood poisoning).

We will not stop until everyone is protected, but until then people should know the symptoms and urge readers to make a New Year’s resolution to fight meningitis.

A fundraising challenge is the perfect way to make a difference.

We’ve many awe-inspiring activity ideas including daredevil skydives, tremendous treks and fantastic foreign adventures.

Meningitis Now, formed after Meningitis UK and Meningitis Trust merged earlier this year, needs to raise £10,000 a day to keep saving lives and rebuilding futures.

Meningitis can strike anyone, of any age, at any time.

It kills more under-fives than any other infectious disease in the UK, and survivors can suffer life-changing after-effects such as limb loss and brain damage.

To donate, for a free symptoms information pack or more information, call us on 0808 80 10 388 or visit www.MeningitisNow.org.

Thanks again and best wishes for 2014.

Sue Davie

Chief Executive

Meningitis Now