TAKING THE SHIRT OFF THEIR BACK

Emulate your sporting heroes in a genuine Garrycastle team shirt.

National charity the Meningitis Trust has kindly been presented with the Leinster club champions signed team jersey, and is selling it off to the highest bidder to raise funds towards its vital work. 

To make your bid phone the Trust on 01 276 2050, email it on eolas@meningitis-trust.ie  or visit its Facebook page at www.facebook.com/MeningitisTrustIreland

The highest bidder will be the proud owner of the shirt in time for the All-Ireland semi final on February 18, so get your bids in now.

Trust Development Officer Ger Mills said: “We rely on the generous financial and practical help of our supporters to ensure no-one has to suffer alone with meningitis, and we’re always looking for new and different ways to raise awareness of the disease and funds to support those who need us. This year is our tenth anniversary, and we aim to make it the best yet in the fight against meningitis. I hope there will be lots of bids for this Garrycastle team shirt from their supporters and in turn they will become Meningitis Trust supporters.”

Meningitis affects every community in Ireland; it can strike within minutes and kill within hours. Children under 5 are the most at risk group. The Trust is Ireland’s meningitis support charity, and provides the largest range of professional services and community-based support for people affected by meningitis in Ireland, as well as raising awareness through specialist knowledge, education and training, and giving practical support for life to people coping with the after-effects.

The Trust receives no statutory government funding and depends on the generous support of organisations and the general public to fund its extensive support services and awareness campaigns.

Contact the Trust on its 24 hour nurse-led helpline on 1800 523 196 or its office number 01 276 4269. Email: eolas@meningitis-trust.ie

Toddle Waddle success adds to festive cheer for The Children’s House.

Christmas celebrations came on the double for one special group in Abbeyleix recently, when the children, staff and parents of The Children’s House held their Christmas play, and also toasted the success of their recent charity event, which raised hundreds of euros for families in need.

Lisa Slattery, Community Nurse with the Meningitis Trust, (4th from left) accepted a cheque for €660 from the group, proceeds of their fun ‘Toddle Waddle’ sponsored walk. The money will be used to provide a unique range of support services for families affected by this life-threatening disease, including counselling, play therapy and community nurse services, as Lisa explains:

We are so grateful to the children, parents and staff from the Children’s House for their support. The sad reality is that although meningitis can affect anyone, of any age, at any time, over half of the reported cases every year in Ireland happen to children under 5. With most cases occurring in winter, ‘Toddle Waddle’ was created to engage this at risk age group and their parents, grandparents, playgroup teachers and childminders – spreading awareness of the disease and its signs and symptoms, whilst at the same time raising funds which are vital to support the work of the Trust, Ireland’s meningitis support organisation, which receives no statutory funding,

Margaret Bergin from the Children’s House (2nd from right), added:
"In 2010, we held our first Toddle Waddle, and we had such a good time that we decided to take part again this year. We are delighted to support the work of the Meningitis Trust, and to help get the message of meningitis out to those who are most at risk. And, in these challenging times, we were really pleased that not only did we match what was raised last year, but we exceeded it!."


Bids now open for signed Leinster champions Jersey
2012 is a historic year. For the first time ever, a senior Westmeath GAA team has won a Leinster club title and it's also the 10th anniversary of the Meningitis Trust, Ireland's meningitis support organisation.

Now, in advance of their AIB All-Ireland Club football semi final match on February 18th, champions Garrycastle have kindly donated a shirt to the Meningitis Trust.

Bids are now open for the shirt, which is signed by members of Garrycastle's winning Leinster Champions team, and hopes are high that this will raise much needed funds for the charity, which receives no statutory government funding, and relies on voluntary donations to survive.

To make your bid right now, contact Ger Mills at the Meningitis Trust on 090 6450531/087 9680068 or email eolas@meningitis-trust.ie

Proceeds will go to support families who are affected or worried by meningitis, and for a range of free professional services, including a 24 hour nurse-led helpline, counselling, family days and play therapy.  

Further details to follow, but bids are open now!

Blast from the Past

Galway was literally rocking when ‘Blast From The Past’ took place in the city’s Salthill hotel on January 16th.

The concert was organised by two music fans, Eugene Butler and Joe Ryan, who each have a personal experience of serious illness and came together to raise funds for their chosen charities.

The duo persuaded an impressive line up of bands from the 80’s and 90’s to appear, including Rock n’ Roll Circus, 5th Avenue, The Amadáns, In Heaven’s Quarter, Nite Flite, The Elastic Band, and The Kopykatz   

Hundreds attended the fabulous event, and in the process helped raise €4,000 for the Meningitis Trust and Cystic Fibrosis.

Here’s a flavour of what they enjoyed: (Frankie Coulihan and Rock and Roll Circus)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fF2IIpNk4KE&feature=share

Eugene explains the motivation behind their idea: ‘‘Some years ago, and totally out of the blue, our son Ian contracted meningitis. It was terrifying to see him lying there so ill.

Thankfully, because he got help quickly, Ian got the treatment he needed, and made a good recovery. But I know that not every family is not so fortunate, and the experience brought home to us just how devastating meningitis can be. The Meningitis Trust is Ireland’s meningitis support charity and 2012 will be their 10th anniversary. I wanted to do something to mark the occasion and as I’m passionate about music, this seemed the ideal way to have some fun, and do something really worthwhile at the same time.

The response from the bands and our supporters has been fantastic… people enjoyed the event so much that there’s already calls for us to make it an annual event!


CHARITY URGES IRELAND ‘DON’T WAIT FOR A RASH’ 
   
Up to 2.6 million adults in Ireland are risking death with the mistaken belief that the main symptom of meningitis is a rash. As the country finds itself in the peak season for the devastating disease, national charity, the Meningitis Trust is campaigning to stop this deadly misconception.
   
The rash that does not fade under pressure, (a sign of blood poisoning) does not always appear with meningitis. When it does it can be one of the last symptoms to be displayed, often too late.

The Meningitis Trust is worried to hear that 57% of people immediately think of a rash when identifying meningitis – that is why it is hammering home the message ‘Don’t Wait for a Rash’.

Carole Nealon, General Manager of the Meningitis Trust says; “Knowing and recognising the other signs and symptoms of meningitis and getting medical help quickly is vital to reduce the devastating impact meningitis can have. Symptoms can appear quickly and rapid deterioration is a sign of a medical emergency. Instincts are key for survival; parents and health professionals must trust these”.

Meningitis can start with ‘flu like’ symptoms. Those to look out for are; fever, headache, vomiting and muscle pain. Other symptoms can include fever with cold hands and feet, drowsiness, confusion, pale blotchy skin, stiff neck, dislike of bright lights and seizures.

In babies, symptoms can include being floppy and unresponsive, dislike of being handled, rapid breathing, moaning cry and a bulging fontanelle (soft spot on the top of the head).

The charity is also concerned to find that a further 7% of the adult population in Ireland cannot name a single sign or symptom.

Lisa Slattery, Community Nurse at the Trust, says; “By thinking meningitis is just a rash, people are risking their lives. You often don’t get a second chance with meningitis, so identifying it correctly is vital”.

To combat the deadly myth, the charity is urging everyone to be aware of all the symptoms. Information is provided free by the Meningitis Trust. You can download one of its free symptom cards available at www.meningitis-trust.ie  or call its freephone 24-hour nurse-led helpline on 1800 523 196 and request information or a signs and symptoms card.

Midlands Baby Fair
Midlands Baby Fair took place on Sunday 25th September in the Mullingar Park Hotel. As the first event of its kind in the Midlands, the day was a huge success with over 650 local visitors,spot prizes and giveaways galore on the day. The wide range of exhibitors were very happy with the support the event enjoyed.

Barney the dinosaur and Monty the Duck - the Meningitis Trust mascot, were on hand to keep the children entertained throughout the day.

Guest speakers included Meningitis Trust's Lisa Slattery who discussed the symptoms of meningitis and septiacaemia to watch out for in children, Craniosacral therapist Linda Moynan, Carseat safety from Mothercare and Maternity and Infant magazine promoting their prestigious awards to name just a few. Everything from nutrition for fertility & pregnancy, hypnobirthing, benefits of ante natal classes and yoga were covered. Tips and advice were generously offered from these experts.
Goody bags were given out to each visitor with samples and discounts to take away.
The Bonny baby competition went down a treat with every entrant receiveing a free professional photo to take home with them from Mullingar photographer John McCauley. Organisers have vowed to make this an annual event in the Midlands with other regional fairs running accross the country.


Toddle power urgently needed
National charity the Meningitis Trust is appealing for toddle power to help support victims of the disease.  Model and mum of one Ruth Griffin helped launch the organisation’s Toddle Waddle, which takes place during the month of October. She was joined by children from Beehyve and Kidsworld Creches at the City of Dublin YMCA, volunteer Debi Coyne, and Monty the Duck, the Meningitis mascot.

Since the event began almost a decade ago, nearly 32,000 children have waddled their way around Ireland, raising over €560,000 for families affected by the disease.

The Meningitis Trust, which is Ireland’s charity focused on supporting people after meningitis, is hoping to make this years Toddle Waddle the biggest yet, and has set a target of €60,000.

The event is a fun, sponsored walk or waddle for young children and their carers and the sponsorship money raised during Waddles will help to provide on-going support to individuals and families who have been affected by meningitis.

Although the disease can affect anyone of any age at any time, over half of the reported cases are in children under 5. Toddle Waddle was created to engage this age group and their parents, grandparents, playgroup leaders, teachers and other childcare professionals – spreading awareness of the disease and its signs and symptoms, whilst at the same time raising funds to support the work of the Trust.

Around 200-250 cases of bacterial meningitis occur every year in Ireland and it is estimated that there are more than double that number of cases of viral meningitis.
Carole Nealon, General Manager at the Meningitis Trust, says: “Toddle Waddle not only raises money to fund our vital work, but also helps to increase awareness of the disease amongst parents, grandparents and childcare professionals. Although there is a serious underlying message, it’s also lots of fun for the children and their carers.

Everyone who registers get balloons, stickers, funny duck masks to colour, and lots of other cool stuff. Toddle Waddle is also a great way to get the community involved, and we love to see the pictures of groups strolling through their local streets, on the community green, or around their school playground, brightening up the whole place.”
To order your free Toddle Waddle organiser’s pack visit the Meningitis Trust's website at www.meningitis-trust.ie or contact the Trust's Toddle Waddle team by email at eolas@meningitis-trust.ie or by phone on 01 2764269. The Trust recommends you register for your pack today, so you have time to plan your event.

MENINGITIS TRUST WARNS STUDENTS TO BE AWARE
National charity, the Meningitis Trust, is warning students of the symptoms of meningitis as they start their new year at university.

Students are an at risk group, with 30% of them carrying the most common bacteria which causes meningitis, compared to 10% of the population as a whole.

University students can be more vulnerable due to living in more cramped housing or student accommodation. In many cases young people come together from all over the country - and indeed world - to live in one place and can be exposed to bacteria and viruses their body’s have not met before. As the early symptoms of meningitis can disguise themselves as other things, such as ‘fresher’s flu’, or maybe a hangover, it’s easy to mistake meningitis for something else.

Every year around 250 cases of bacterial meningitis are reported in Ireland – leaving 10% dead and 15% of survivors with severe after-effects such as brain damage, loss of hearing and sight and, where septicaemia has occurred, loss of limbs and scarring. It’s a disease which can strike quickly and kill within hours, so knowledge of the symptoms, vigilance and quick action is vital.

The Trust is asking students to know the symptoms, trust their instincts and look out for their friends. They should register with their GP and if in doubt, seek medical attention immediately. The Trust has a free symptoms cards, simply call its freephone 24-hour nurse-led helpline on 1800 523 196, or visit the website at www.meningitis-trust.ie.
  
All went swimmingly in Co Donegal!
Thanks to Aisling Murrin and Dee O'Shaughnessy for organisng a sponsored swim from Fintra beach to to Portnacross Pier Co Donegal(1.5km) once again this year in aid of the Meningitis Trust. It was a wonderful event. Jelly fish were the only problem! Thank you to all the volunteers on the day and in the preparation.




26 AUGUST 2011 CHARITY ISSUES MENINGITIS WARNING
National charity, the Meningitis Trust, is issuing a warning as children start back at school for the autumn/winter months. The end of September sees the peak season for meningitis so the charity is urging all parents, students and teachers to be vigilant of the signs and symptoms.

While children under 5’s are most at risk of meningitis, teenagers and students aged 15 – 23 years are also a high risk group.  It is estimated that 10% of the population carry the germ which causes meningitis, but this increases to up to 30% for students.

The risk of meningitis increases during the colder months as people spend more time indoors, closer to others; meaning germs are spread more easily. Fighting common infections like colds and flu weakens immune systems, leaving them more vulnerable to the disease.

Ger Mills, Development Officer of the Meningitis Trust, says; “Meningitis can be a difficult disease to spot – particularly at this time of year - as many of its early symptoms can be similar to those of flu. So we are urging  everyone to familiarise themselves with the symptoms, trust their instincts and get urgent medical help if concerned. Doing this could save yours or a loved one’s life.”    

Every year up to 250 cases of  cases of meningitis are reported in Ireland. Up to 10% of these patients may die, with up to 15% of survivors left with mild to severe after-effects such as brain damage, loss of hearing and sight and, where septicaemia has occurred, loss of limbs and scarring. It’s a disease which can strike in minutes and kill within hours, so knowledge of the symptoms, vigilance and quick action is vital.

The symptoms of meningitis can include fever with cold hands and feet, vomiting, headache, stiff neck, dislike of bright light, joint or muscle pain, pale blotchy skin, drowsiness and confusion. In babies, a dislike of being handled, an unusual cry, rapid breathing and bulging fontanelle can be tell-tale signs. Some adults and children may also have a rash that does not fade under pressure. Symptoms can appear in any order and some may not appear at all. If concerned, seek urgent medical attention.

The Trust has free credit card sized signs and symptoms cards for people to keep in their wallets or purses. To get hold of one, simply call its freephone 24-hour nurse-led helpline on 1800 523 196 , or visit the website at www.meningitis-trust.ie.

The charity offers a range of free, professional support services to people  who have experienced meningitis, including bereavement counselling and family support, home visits, family days and play therapy. Further details on how to access these free services are available on the Meningitis Trust website at www.meningitis-trust.ie  .


AUGUST 4, 2011
HEALTH ALERT AS CASES ARE ON THE INCREASE

A national charity is concerned as the number of cases of viral meningitis is on the increase, with 10 cases reported by the HPSC just last week.

To date there have been 88 cases reported compared to the 73 cases during the same period  last year.

The Meningitis Trust is issuing this warning earlier than usual, as viral meningitis usually peaks in the heat, and with temperatures in Ireland below normal this summer, the charity is shocked to see these figures.

Viral meningitis cannot be prevented by vaccinations and can often be mistaken for more common illnesses like flu. Every year in Ireland hundreds of people’s lives are turned upside down by viral meningitis. It can leave people with severe headaches, extreme tiredness, loss of hearing, depression and memory loss, plus many other serious after-effects.

Carole Nealon, General Manager of the Meningitis Trust, says; “In summer, we all know that we need to protect ourselves from the sun, but we also need to be aware of viral meningitis.
“Last year 167 cases were reported, we know that the majority of these cases will be contracted in the heat, which is why we are shocked to see this increase as we all know the summer weather hasn’t been the greatest".

The charity, who needs fundraising support more than ever, is urging everyone to know the meningitis symptoms. Carole Nealon continues; “The initial symptoms of viral meningitis are the same as the more serious bacterial meningitis but viral meningitis doesn’t respond to antibiotics. It still requires urgent admission to hospital because until tests confirm that the meningitis is viral, there is every chance it could be bacterial meningitis, which can kill within hours”.

For more information on meningitis symptoms, visit www.meningitis-trust.ie or call the Meningitis Trust’s 24-hour nurse-led helpline on 1800 523 196.

 Fantastic event in Renville!
What a night! Congratulations to Linda Burke of Level One,  and Siobhan Carroll and the hundreds of family, friends, community and passionate runners who made the inaugural Renville 5k Run (Remembering Aoibhe), such a huge success on 20th July. The proceeds of the run will be used to support families affected by meningitis and raise awareness of the disease. On behalf of everyone in the Meningitis Trust, thank you!

JUNE 2, 2011
STRESS OF DOCTORS IN BATTLE ON MENINGITIS
 
In response to research  from the Paediatric Department in the Royal Hospital for Sick Children in Belfast, that says meningitis is every doctor's worst nightmare and keeps them awake at night, Carole Nealon, General Manager of the only organisation in Ireland focused on supporting people after meningitis, the Meningitis Trust, says;

“Meningitis is a terrifying disease that can strike within minutes and kill within hours. The symptoms are incredibly difficult to spot, often masking themselves as the flu, and the  rash that everyone thinks of when they hear meningitis doesn’t always appear in all cases. We are not surprised to hear of the terror the disease causes amongst the medical community.
 
Through supporting hundreds of families across Ireland who have experienced meningitis, we advise everyone to trust their instincts and to tell doctors if they think it could be meningitis.

Meningitis requires urgent medical intervention and anything that delays this could result in death or severe after-effects such as brain damage, hearing and sight loss, limb loss and scarring (where septicaemia has occurred). Everyone is at risk of contracting meningitis.

Meningitis can start with ‘flu-like’ symptoms; fever, headache, vomiting and muscle pain. Other symptoms of the disease can include fever with cold hands and feet, drowsiness, confusion, pale blotchy skin, stiff neck, dislike bright lights and seizures. In babies, they may be floppy and unresponsive, dislike being handled, have rapid breathing, moaning cry and a bulging fontanelle (soft spot on the top of the head). If in doubt, always seek urgent medical advice.

We produce and distribute free lifesaving symptoms information for anyone. It’s available by calling our freephone 24-hour nurse-led helpline on 1800 523 196 or visiting our website www.meningitis-trust.ie ”

A Co Galway mum who lost her daughter to meningitis has been chosen by Vodafone for its ‘World of Difference’ programme – paying for her to volunteer for her chosen charity, the Meningitis Trust, for three months.

Siobhan Carroll, whose four year-old daughter, Aoibhe, died suddenly of meningitis in April 2008, is one of just 30 people across Ireland to be chosen for the placement – working for different charities and organisations across the country.

Siobhan and her husband Noel are active volunteers for the Meningitis Trust already. With the help of family and friends and members of their local community in Oranmore and Galway, they have raised over €40,000 in Aoibhe’s memory, distributed thousands of potentially lifesaving meningitis information leaflets and symptoms cards to local schools and crèches, and organised a number of events. Siobhan has also taken part in the Dublin mini marathon for the charity, something which she plans to do again this year.

Speaking from the Rooftop at Arnotts at the "World of Difference on Ice" party for the 30 winners Carole Nealon, General Manager for the Meningitis Trust says; "We are absolutely delighted that Siobhan has been selected for this placement. We have worked with Siobhan and Noel and their family since their terrible loss and they are a wonderful family who selflessly do so much to ensure others don’t go through what they have. Siobhan is over the moon to have been selected too – and we can’t wait to start working with her on this.

Carole continues; "As a charity, we are reliant on voluntary contributions to continue our work, so having Siobhan on board for three months is incredibly valuable to us. We already feel that she is part of our team, but this placement will mean that Siobhan can build on all of her and her family’s hard work so far. We are excited about what we can achieve in these three months together and we are grateful to Vodafone for this unique opportunity".

Meningitis is a life changing disease as many as 34,000 people living in the Ireland today have had either viral or bacterial meningitis – many of whom have been left to cope with the after-effects every day.

The Meningitis Trust supports anyone affected by this life-changing disease through its free professional aftercare and support services. These include a 24-hour helpline (1800 523 196 from Republic and 0800 028 1828 from Northern Ireland), staffed by nurses, counselling, bereavement support and home visits. The Trust also distributes thousands of leaflets, posters, symptoms cards, information sheets and other materials which raise awareness of meningitis.

Editor’s Notes:

For more information, please contact Ger Mills at the Meningitis Trust on 090 6450351 or 087 9680068 or email germills@meningitis-trust.ie

Or visit the website at www.meningitis-trust.ie

Meningitis Trust Freephone Helpline Number: 1800 523 196 　

09 DECEMBER 2010  IRELAND IS TOLD ‘don’t wait for a rash’