Hi everyone :)

In August of 2023, a team of university students and I will be embarking upon the Lost City of Colombia trek with the intention of raising money for the incredible organisation that is Meningitis Research Foundation. 

The charity dedicates itself to contributing to the prevention and treatment of two deadly diseases which continue to affect millions of families around the globe today: Meningitis and Septicaemia. Despite advancements within medicine and the pharmaceutical industry itself, Meningitis and Septicaemia both remain one of the world’s largest infectious disease killer across all age groups, with a 10% fatality rate. Whilst the consequences of the diseases have significantly improved over the last few decades, there are still some causes Meningitis and Septicaemia which are not vaccine preventable, and the vaccines that are available are not routinely provided in some parts of the world. The severity of these diseases is exacerbated when considering that over a fifth of those who survive are left with life-long impairments such as permanent brain injury. In spite of the latter, many remain unaware of the gravity of Meningitis and Septicaemia, hence it is imperative if one wishes to eradicate the prevalence of the diseases to support the goals of the charity: spreading awareness, providing life-changing research, and preventing the consequences of Meningitis and Septicaemia from occurring. 

The cause lies very close to home, and my choice to fundraise for this organisation was catalysed upon learning that my father had Meningitis himself as a six month old baby, almost dying as a result. As a first generation child coming from a low income background, the consequences could have been fatal. Luckily, thanks to the support and expertise of the doctors my father survived, but this time remains what my grandmother maintains an extremely difficult period in her life. I intend to raise for Meningitis Research Foundation in order to help those who may not share the same luck my father once had, and provide the necessary funding to facilitate the continued work of this fantastic organisation. 

No donation is too small, and any support at all is something I would be indefinitely grateful for. 

Lots of love, 

Jasmine x