Bethan Davies
Bethan's Devizes to Westminster International Canoe Race page
Fundraising for Meningitis Now
Story
When she was 9 months old, my darling daughter contracted bacterial meningitis and septicaemia. She had serious convulsions and was very poorly. We spent two weeks in hospital receiving IV antibiotics.
Two years later, and thanks to her excellent and prompt medical care, she is a happy, healthy toddler with seemingly no lasting after effects. However, others are not so lucky. In the UK today, meningitis kills more under-5s than any other infectious disease, and can leave survivors with life changing disabilities. These can include brain damage, learning difficulties, blindness, deafness, and loss of fingers, toes or limbs.
Meningitis Now campaigns to raise awareness, supports families affected by meningitis, and funds research into life saving vaccines. Their vision is that no one dies from meningitis and everyone affected gets the support they need.
They have funded 12 million pounds into preventive research, distributed 22 million signs and symptoms cards, taken 1 million helpline calls and supported thousands of families devastated by meningitis, including my own.
I am competing in the 125 mile Devizes to Westminster International Canoe Race on Easter weekend 2019. It is the longest, hardest canoe race of its kind in the world. I have been training hard, and hope to complete the race in my singles kayak in 19-20 hours over the 4 day stage race. Between now and Easter, I will be training hard and racing most weekends to build stamina and endurance. I also hope to raise funds for and awareness of meningitis and septicaemia.
Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.
Two years later, and thanks to her excellent and prompt medical care, she is a happy, healthy toddler with seemingly no lasting after effects. However, others are not so lucky. In the UK today, meningitis kills more under-5s than any other infectious disease, and can leave survivors with life changing disabilities. These can include brain damage, learning difficulties, blindness, deafness, and loss of fingers, toes or limbs.
Meningitis Now campaigns to raise awareness, supports families affected by meningitis, and funds research into life saving vaccines. Their vision is that no one dies from meningitis and everyone affected gets the support they need.
They have funded 12 million pounds into preventive research, distributed 22 million signs and symptoms cards, taken 1 million helpline calls and supported thousands of families devastated by meningitis, including my own.
I am competing in the 125 mile Devizes to Westminster International Canoe Race on Easter weekend 2019. It is the longest, hardest canoe race of its kind in the world. I have been training hard, and hope to complete the race in my singles kayak in 19-20 hours over the 4 day stage race. Between now and Easter, I will be training hard and racing most weekends to build stamina and endurance. I also hope to raise funds for and awareness of meningitis and septicaemia.
Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.