Hi There! I'm Kaylee. I am a mum of three, an NHS Healthcare Assistant (16 years) and a 2nd-year Marine Biology & Oceanography student at The University of Plymouth.

Every year, 2.5m people worldwide confront bacterial and viral meningitis, with a devastating 1 in 10 mortality rate, with half of the victims being children under 5. Meningitis and neonatal sepsis collectively cause more child deaths than malaria, measles, tetanus, and AIDS. Unfortunately, meningitis is often mistaken for a cold or flu, especially by students, making up 1 in 4 cases. Survivors frequently grapple with lifelong complications such as hearing loss, brain damage, limb loss, and epilepsy.

Why am I fundraising for this charity? This cause is deeply personal; I lost a school friend to meningitis, experienced a related scare with my daughter at 5 months old, witnessed patients battle meningitis and septicaemia, and contracted viral meningitis myself, experiencing its disabling after effects first-hand with CFS (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome), Fibromyalgia and other health issues. However, this makes me more determined to do this challenge so I can set a good example for my children and inspire others not to be defined by health issues out of our control and to not let meningitis win. Alongside these conditions I have recently had hip surgery to repair long standing damage, the road to recovery has been tough so this will be a real challenge for me and makes me more determined to succeed for this cause exactly a year post surgery

Please join me on a meaningful journey 🏔

On August 31, I will be conquering Mount Kilimanjaro to support the Meningitis Research Foundation (MRF). MRF stands by those affected by meningitis and meningitis-related sepsis, transforming tragedy into a legacy and providing support and hope. Your personal support enables us to fund crucial vaccine research, health systems, and survivor support. Join us in the 'Race to 2030' with @who to eradicate meningitis and #septicaemia.

Let's conquer this challenge and make a lasting impact against meningitis. Your support means the world to me! 🌍

If you would like to learn more about the Meningitis Research Foundation and where your donations will go, please visit their website: https://www.meningitis.org/

Donations to this page directly support the Meningitis Research Foundation; it's the easiest and most secure way to contribute. If it feels safer, you can send a direct donation to them, referencing the URL of this page and contact me with the amount so that I can add it to the offline donations.

By reducing my fundraising amounts (due to the increased cost of living) and participating in this challenge, I have fully paid all my participation fees and extra travel insurance for my health conditions.

Thank you for taking a moment to explore my page; your visit means a lot.

Any donations will be greatly appreciated and will contribute to an amazing cause! Let's beat Meningitis and Septicaemia together <3

My new Instagram account to follow my journey https://www.instagram.com/kay_vs_meningitis/

@kay_vs_meningitis