Spreading the word on meningitis awareness

Xcite is working with Meningitis now to provide people with access to meningitis and septicaemia information stalls over the summer holiday period.

representatives from Meningitis now will be able to offer information and advice and answer any questions.

Meningitis can strike quickly but its impact can last a lifetime. We know that meningitis and septicaemia (blood poisoning) can turn your world upside down, leaving many with after-effects. ten per cent of bacterial cases result in death.

robin strang, chief executive at fitness experts Xcite, said : “We are more than happy to be working with Meningitis now.

“During the busy summer holidays we have lots of families and children visit our facilities and it is a great opportunity to raise awareness on meningitis and the symptoms.

“Bacterial meningitis kills more uK children under the age of five than any other infectious disease.”

nicky Broekhuizen, community support officer for scotland at Meningitis now, said: “We are delighted to be working with Xcite and to have the opportunity to raise awareness of meningitis.

“By sharing info which highlights the common symptoms of meningitis and the need to act quickly, lives will be saved.”

Meningitis now information stalls will be available on the following dates and locations:

Monday, July 18, 2pm to 5pmat Xcite Craigswood, Livingston; tuesday, July 19, from 10am to 1pm at Xcite Broxburn sports Centre; tuesday, July 10, from 2pm to 5pm, at Xcite Broxburn swimming Centre; thursday, July 21, from 2pm to 5pm, at Xcite Linlithgow; tuesday, august 2, from 10.30am to 2.30pm at Xcite Bathgate; Wednesday, august 3, from 10am to 1pm at Xcite armadale; Friday, august 5, from 10am to 1pm at Xcite Livingston; and Monday, august 8, from 10am to 1pm at Xcite East Calder.

one in three of those who survive bacterial meningitis are left with after-effects, many of which are severe such as brain damage, hearing and sight loss, and where septicaemia has occurred, loss of limbs and scarring.

Viral meningitis is usually less serious than bacterial meningitis but can still leave people with long-lasting aftereffects such as headaches, fatigue and memory problems.

Visit www.meningitis now.org or call the helpline 0808 80 10 388.