Christmas illuminations set to raise funds for Meningitis UK
A Norwich mother who lost her five-month-old daughter to meningitis ten years ago is hoping to raise funds in her memory through a festive lights display.Tonia Mussett, of Beverley Road, has transformed the front of her house into an illuminated display of twinkling fairy lights and Christmas decorations to help raise funds for Meningitis UK.
All visitors will be asked to donate to the charity and be offered wallet sized symptoms cards, as well as have the chance to win chocolates and wine in a lucky dip and raffle.
She said: "I lost my little girl, Lauren, to meningitis in 1997 and the following year my son suffered from it too, but luckily he survived.
"I want to raise awareness of the disease so hopefully other children can be helped in the future as much as possible."
Meningitis UK's Search 4 a Vaccine campaign was launched earlier this year to help raise £7million over the next seven years to fund vital research into developing a vaccine against meningococcal group B - the most common form of meningitis in the UK. This accounts for almost 90 per cent of all cases and there is still no vaccine.
Meningitis UK's Chief Executive, Steve Dayman said "Meningitis UK has a single focus - to find a vaccine to eradicate meningitis. In the absence of the vaccines we desperately need, early identification of the symptoms plus prompt hospital treatment can mean the difference between life and death.
"I want to thank Tonia for organising this display over the festive period. I hope visitors enjoy seeing it and donate money to support our vital work."
The illuminations feature reindeers, shooting stars and a Santa, and will be displayed until the New Year.
For more information about Meningitis UK, or to support the charity's Search 4 a Vaccine Campaign, call 0117 373 7373 or visit www.meningitisUK.org.
MeningitisUK · Registered Charity No.1076774
