Over the past 40 years, Meningitis Now have heard countless stories of lives lost and loves changed forever by meningitis. Stories of grief and sadness. But also stories of determination of resilience, of beating the odds. Above all, they are stories of hope.
To honour the 40 years of hope, a unique photography exhibition featuring portraits of 40 people from Meningitis Now’s past and present has been touring the country.
Each story represents a unique perspective – from survivors who have overcome the challenge of meningitis, to families and supporters who have shown incredible strength in the face of loss plus the huge impact made by scientists, doctors, volunteers and others connected to the charity.
I was of course absolutely honoured and proud to be one of the 40 contributors and represent every single supporter who has been right by our side over the last 16 years. The photo location was an obvious choice: Ryan’s waterbased hockey pitch at Clifton College Sports Ground which will always be the most special legacy to Ryan. Charlotte/Shim was also asked to be in the ‘shoot’ but sadly time constraints were against us.
Every story teller was asked what hope means to them. Here’s mine:
To me, hope means that some good must come from losing Ryan – that his story will help spare others from the same pain.
Attending the events in Nailsworth, London and Cardiff has been a joy and I’m beyond proud to be part of such an amazing community. A community that cares and also has navigated and influenced change in the meningitis world to ensure it receives the attention it should.
It’s been brilliant to share with Charlotte/Shim and friends and family the most encapsulating photography by Carmel King and experience the collective message of what has been achieved in those 40 years by some of the contributors. Huge thanks to Shim, Emma, Mary, Rhi, Mike, Sue, Bob, Rob, Celeste and Jen for all making the effort to come along.
There are a few more dates around the country in October and November check out Meningitis Now.
We are hoping to add to the Tour with a date in Bristol in January 2027. Our partnership and friendship with Tom Nutt (CEO) and the Team has been invaluable to ‘a Life for a Cure’ and me personally over the years and is definitely worth celebrating all the good that has been achieved.
