Meningitis Research Foundation scoops CIPR award for best website in the West of England

05 November 2009

Last night, Bristol based national charity Meningitis Research Foundation (MRF) won the Gold Award for best website at the Chartered Institute for Public Relations (CIPR) PRide awards.

The website was designed by fuse8, a digital agency based in Leeds, and was launched in June 2009, with the aim to clearly present the symptoms of killer diseases which need to be recognised and treated as soon as possible. The website also presents innovative ways of conveying the charity’s extensive international research portfolio, supporting those who have been affected by meningitis and septicaemia and raising funds needed to tackle the diseases.

MRF Members and their experiences of meningitis and septicaemia are the inspiration behind the charity’s work. Therefore, the website was built with MRF Members at its heart, with their stories and experiences detailed in video, picture and text in the website’s unique and moving Book of Experience.

MRF beat off competition from four other shortlisted local organisations to win. The CIPR judges said, “This website effectively combined the three elements of the Foundation with its research, fundraising and symptom-finder sections. Using innovative interactive tools, all messages were clearly communicated. With good navigation and engaging user contributions, judges were impressed with the use of SEO and professional look of the site, distinguishing the Foundation from similar organisations.”

On picking up the award, MRF’s Chief Executive, Christopher Head commented: “We are delighted that the quality of our new our new website has been recognised by the CIPR. With over 50,000 visitors a month, the website is fulfilling our aim to raise awareness of these disease which claim hundreds of lives every year in this country alone, and to engage health professionals, researchers and the public worldwide with the work of the Foundation in combating meningitis and septicaemia.”

Media Contact:
Harpinder Collacott (Meningitis Research Foundation) 01454 281811 or 07711 057875

Notes to Editor:

• Meningitis Research Foundation is currently funding 24 research projects into the prevention, detection and treatment of meningitis and septicaemia. The Foundation has spent £15.6 million on research since its inception in 1989.
• Meningitis Research Foundation operates a Freefone 24 hour helpline – 080 8800 3344 – providing information on meningitis and septicaemia to the general public and health professionals.
• Information on meningitis and septicaemia is also available on the Foundation’s world-renowned website – www.meningitis.org – in 22 languages. An interpretation service in 150 languages is available through the 24-hour helpline.
• The Foundation offers support for those affected by meningitis and septicaemia. Trained helpline staff are available 365 days a year. A befriender service links people with experience of meningitis and septicaemia to share their experiences and counsel each other.