Leeds Widow Fights Meningitis
Leeds woman who lost husband to meningitis joins fight against illness
A Leeds woman whose husband was killed by meningitis is joining a national charity campaigning to raise awareness and try and prevent more people dying from it. Lesley Leaver from Guiseley will work with Meningitis Now.
"Becoming a Community Ambassador is a real honour," Lesley said. "I’m delighted to have this opportunity.
"With their support no one in Yorkshire will have to face meningitis alone.
"I know only too well how cruel this disease can be and I don’t want other local families to go through what we have. It’s vital that everybody recognises the signs and symptoms and knows what action to take if they suspect meningitis."
Lesley's huband Kevin died from meningococcal septicaemia in January 2000, just five hours after he was admitted to hospital.
"Meningitis has no warning," she said. "It comes from nowhere and vaccination is the only answer. When I heard about the vaccine for Men B I thought ‘thank goodness that fewer people will have to go through what we have been through.’ The government has a moral obligation to protect the British public from this awful disease."
Steve Dayman, Meningitis Now executive founder, said: "We’re thrilled that Lesley will be the face of our charity in her local community, working alongside our regionally-based team members. With her support, enthusiasm and hard work we’ll be able to achieve so much more in our fight against meningitis."
Across the UK there are about 3,200 cases of bacterial meningitis and up to 6,000 cases of viral meningitis each year. For more information on the disease visit www.MeningitisNow.org