Thank you so much for visiting my fundraising page. I am hoping to raise as much money for this fantastic foundation for my 21st birthday as possible. I would much rather the money of my friends, family and colleagues went to the Meningitis Research Foundation than on a card or a drink for me to celebrate my birthday. By making a donation through this site, big or small, you will make me smile more on my 21st than I could wish for.
Some of you will know that a few years ago some dear friends of mine lost their little boy to this cruel disease just weeks before his 2nd birthday. He was a beautiful boy with a big personality and will always be dearly missed by all who knew him. Until he was diagnosed with meningitis I knew very little about the disease, I had never known anyone effected by it before and thinking of my ignorance now does scare me. I could vaguely remember someone at school speaking about looking out for a rash but I knew nothing about the other symptoms or how powerful the disease can be. I want to do wahtever I can to make sure that others do not share in this ignorance, if everyone was more aware we could prevent the lose of so many important lives.
Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to donate through me: Meningitis Research Foundation will receive your money faster and, if you are a UK taxpayer, an extra 28% in tax will be added to your gift at no cost to you.
I was hoping to raise £500. This could help the Meningitis Research Foundation provide 50,000 symptom cards; 100 school/university information packs; 50 hours of in-depth support; 20 hours of research; 100 information packs for GP surgeries and health professionals; or it could keep the valuable 24 hour helpline running for a whole day! Just think of the difference what £5000 can do!
I realise that many of you don't have enough spare money to give but every penny counts so rather than spend the loose change lying around in your bank account on a drink for me that I will probably not be able to handle on my birthday, please donate it.
Many thanks for your support!
*** I want to give out a special thank you for all the support this page has received from Martin Lewis and the amazing amount of donations received by MSE members. You have all made a huge difference and your generosity and kind messages have really touched me. You're all stars and I owe my smiles to you 
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As you can see, I have bumped up the value of the target. I thought that £500 was a high point to reach but everyone's donations and messages have shown me what kind of target we can actually hit if everyone pulls together like they have been. Please keep promoting, donating and spreading the word - this money is making a massive difference! We're all saving lives with each donation and everyone who has helped should be so proud of themselves, I'm proud of all of you!
