Hi! I'm Julia and I am a first year student at Warwick University, raising money for the Meningitis (& Septicaemia) research foundation (MRF) by climbing Mount Kilimanjaro!

This will involve 6 days of trekking the worlds highest freestanding peak, with temperatures ranging from 30+ Celsius (day) to sub zero (night) as well as many contrasting terrains such as rain forests, alpine land above cloud level and an arctic glacier! 

Meningitis and Septicaemia
Meningitis is the swelling of the lining around the brain and the spinal cord, and Septicaemia is blood poising- both caused by the same germs.
The causes can be bacterial, viral and fungal- all of which can dramatically alter a persons life and has the potential to be life threatening. 
Globally, meningitis affects 5 million people- leaving 1 in 10 dead and 1 in 5 with a severe impairment such as brain injury! As a result, almost 290,000 died from this disease in 2017.
It is also the 6th  largest cause of death by  infectious disease across all age ranges, and is 2nd for those under the age of 5!
Whilst other vaccine preventable diseases have seen rates drop by up to 90% between the years 1990 and 2017, child meningitis has dropped by just 53%!
After effects of the diseases for those that survive include and are not limited to; seizures, amputations, kidney damage, lung damage and severe memory loss- as well as an increased vulnerability to an array of mental health problems. 

The Meningitis (& Septicaemia) Research Foundation
The MRF, supported by close partners such as the World health Organisation (WHO) and The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) aims to eradicate all cases of meningitis globally by the year 2030 ! Commitment to this target has been shown  through immense powering  of research and heavily promoting action on a global scale. 

STEP ONE
Effective distribution of vaccines globally to prevent epidemics,  and to protect those most at risk (such as adolescents and those under 5). Anyone born after the 01/09/1996 is entitled to a free vaccine.

STEP TWO
Embark on the dynamic development of patient pathways, health systems and appropriate tools for rapid, accurate and appropriate diagnosis and treatment.  Importantly, the MRF is also committed to improve the quality of life of those affected, through continuous support and reduced disability. 

STEP THREE
To have engaged, informed and supported patients and communities, through increasing their voices within the health system to fight against the disease and its after effects. 3,000 people accessed support thanks to the MRF in 2018.