Hello! :)

Thank you for deciding to read my story. 

I've always wanted to take part in something that could make a real difference to the world we live in and when I found out about this challenge through the 'Raise and Giving' society (RAG) at The University of Exeter, I knew I had to take part. 

So...in August 2021, I will be tackling a 6-day trek up the world's highest single free-standing peak, Mount Kilimanjaro, in Tanzania. All of this is in aid of the Meningitis Research Foundation, an incredible charity which aims to research and raise awareness of two serious diseases, Meningitis and Septicaemia. 

Meningitis is an infection of membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It can affect anyone, but is most common in babies, young children, teenagers and young adults. Meningitis can be very serious if not treated quickly and it can lead to permanent brain or nerve damage. If bacterial meningitis enters the blood stream it can cause life-threatening blood poisoning, known as Septicaemia (Sepsis).

Here are some shocking facts about Meningitis and why, to me, it is essential that we eradicate this horrific disease at the earliest date: 

• Meningitis and neonatal sepsis are the second biggest infectious killer of children under the age of five on the planet, affecting more than 5 million people every year.
• They can kill you within 12 hours and are responsible for more deaths of children under 5 than malaria, measles, tetanus and AIDS combined.
• In the UK, children under the age of 3 months are 70 times more likely to contract the disease than other children. 
• The after effects of Meningitis can consist of: Memory loss, co-ordination problems, headaches, hearing problems, seizures, paralysis, speech problems and vision problems. 
• The after effects of Sepsis can consist of: Arthritis or joint stiffness, scarring or skin damage, amputations, kidney damage, and lung damage.
• Meningitis is the 6th largest infectious killer, not only for children but for all age groups, in the world.

MRF uses their donations to fund research into the development of new vaccines and to improve the rules about access to the vaccines so that  people who need them, get them. They also increase awareness of the disease and increase the number of trained healthcare workers with the right tools to prioritise Meningitis cases. Amongst so many other incredible projects they do, they've also created a global plan to defeat meningitis by 2030. 

Please join me, over this year and next, as I raise my target with aspirations to see a Meningitis free-world by 2030. All donations made go straight to MRF. 

I am so excited and motivated to kick start this new challenge and I consider myself very lucky to have your support along the way! 

Thank you, 

Evie x