Helena Campbell
"Meningitis has been part of my life since the age of 6, when my Dad, aged only 32 suffered a delay in diagnosis of Meningitis B and septicaemia. He was given 10 minutes to live, and was not only incredibly lucky to survive, but to also keep both of his legs. He continues to live with the life changing consequences of the disease, but is an inspiration as, despite that, he has continued to managed an extremely successful career in the Royal Navy, including the honour of an OBE.
Once my Dad came home, I was part of his care and rehabilitation, and some 2 years later we promised that we would go on to support other families affected by the disease. Growing up, we have hosted various fundraising and awareness campaigns, and that is something I wanted to continue.
I am now a medical negligence lawyer, specialising in cases involving children, meningitis, sepsis and life changing brain injuries. At a young age, I understood the importance of medical staff understanding the signs and symptoms of this disease, and I am motivated by helping to spread awareness.
As both a very proud ambassador, and a be-friender, I hope that my personal experience and professional understanding will go on to support other families.
I have helped to arrange fundraising events, attending freshers fairs to spread the word and encourage vaccination, gone to schools and universities to talk about the disease and helped with numerous campaigns.
Myself and my Dad share a love of cars, and some 30 years on, enjoy raising funds on the Grand Tour, driving classic cars on a cryptic maze through France and Spain.
I hope that, in my role as an ambassador for this outstanding charity, I will be able to support other families affected by the disease. Lets defeat meningitis by 2030!”