In September 2020 I will be climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, the worlds tallest freestanding mountain, its peak sitting at 5895m above sea level. My climb is in aid of the Meningitis Research Foundation; a charity which aims to research and raise awareness of two serious diseases, Meningitis and Septicaemia. Meningitis and neonatal sepsis are the second biggest infectious killer of children under the age of five on the planet, affecting more than 2.8 million people every year and is  responsible for more deaths of children under 5 than malaria, measles, tetanus and AIDS combined. 

Anyone  of any age can contract meningitis or septicaemia, however students such as myself, are the second highest risk group after babies. I believe that it is also therefore very important to raise awareness amongst students in particular. Meningitis can kill within 12 hours and recognising not just the dangers but the symptoms is of great importance. In climbing Kilimanjaro, as a student, I hope that I can help raise awareness through my perspective and help others to have a fuller understanding of meningitis and septicaemia.

Meningitis Research Foundations work is providing better access to vaccines, health systems that can diagnose and treat children, and support to survivors of meningitis. Its time to make meningitis a global health priority, you can do this today by donating using the give now button.