Meningitis Trust Awards First Financial Grant

7 October 2004

Meningitis Trust Awards First Financial Grant Following Fight For Life

The Meningitis Trust has awarded its first financial support grant to improve the quality of life for someone whose life has been turned upside down by meningococcal disease. The recipient of the grant Gae Sinclair from Rotorua has received funding for new lenses for her glasses to help improve her eyesight after it was damaged by meningococcal meningitis in July 2003.

Recipient Gae said "I am overwhelmed that the Meningitis Trust has been able to financially assist me after experiencing meningococcal disease. Surviving this illness is one hurdle; coping with the after effects is an equally big ordeal. Knowing they are there to help in so many ways has been incredible. I cannot thank them enough "

Since receiving such huge public support at the Schick Fight for Life event in July, $840,000 was raised in just one night. The Auckland based charity has committed to providing support for life to meningitis sufferers through a range of support services, including emotional and financial support. Meningitis Trust Manager Fiona Colbert said

"We are thrilled that the money raised from Fight for Life is already directly helping those in need of our support. We understand that people sometimes need more than emotional support from the Trust, and we are now in a position to accept applications for financial support from people affected by meningitis or meningococcal disease, with a real need for help" The Trust also runs a 24 hour free call helpline, providing facts about the disease and emotional support. Call 0800 446 087

ENDS

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