To celebrate Meningitis Now's 40 incredible years of life-saving research and support for those affected by meningitis, I will be trekking the Sahara in March 2026.

I'll be taking to the dunes and ancient riverbeds of one of the largest, and most beautiful deserts in the world, in temperatures up to 35oC. The trek isn't for the faint of heart, and every penny you donate will help support the work of Meningitis Now in the UK.

Why?

Our daughter, Zara Alice Cheesman, died on 23rd December 2024 from meningitis B. She was 15, in her final year of GCSEs and lost her future and all her dreams, including becoming a human rights lawyer. She was a force of nature, immensely talented academically and in sports, art, and music (piano). She had a gift for words, cared deeply, and wanted a better world. So many have been affected by her loss, us, her parents, her brother, family and friends and local community.

Zara became ill on 19 December, attended A&E on the 20th, and an ambulance was called on the 21st. She was finally blue-lit to the hospital on the 22nd, but it was too late, and her death was declared on the 23rd. Organs were donated at her request (she had discussed this with her brother).

There was nothing unique about Zara's risk. Anyone can get meningitis. It is incredibly easy to treat if caught early with antibiotics. Too often, there has been a failure to recognise that somebody is ill, often resulting in death, like Zara or long-term disability.

There was a coroner's inquest in September 2025 with findings of neglect and a prevention of death order reported in the media.

We don't want this to happen again. Since Zara, there have been further deaths, including students at university and people of all ages. 15-19-year-olds are one of the high-risk groups.

Zara was up to date on all her vaccinations, including meningitis, with the boosters given in secondary school. The exception was the Men B vaccine. Given to babies since 2015, but not part of the booster for teenagers. It can be brought privately.

All the money raised through this page will go directly to Meningitis Now.

Meningitis Now is running a campaign ‘No Plan B for MenB.’ This includes a call for a MenB booster program to protect adolescents starting in 2030. They are raising awareness, supporting those affected directly and indirectly, and funding research to improve vaccines.