To mark an incredible fifteen years at Meningitis Research Foundation, our Senior Insights Manager, Claire, is taking on the London Marathon dressed as a chicken. Her partner, Tara, will be running alongside her as the egg. Together, they’re fundraising for Meningitis Research Foundation and settling the age-old question: which came first?
We caught up with Claire to reflect on her journey, what the milestone means to her and why she’s taking on the challenge to raise money and awareness.
What does this fifteen-year milestone mean to you?
This milestone represents countless conversations with amazing medical experts, families affected by meningitis and passionate colleagues who’ve become lifelong friends. And, of course, our wonderful supporters whose fundraisers whose fundraising efforts have made our work possible. I feel incredibly lucky to have been part of it all.
Looking back, what are the standout moments or achievements that you’re particularly proud of?
There have been many, but one that stands out is seeing the impact of our policy and advocacy work when new vaccines were introduced into the national immunisation schedule. These vaccines have saved countless lives across the UK, and I'm incredibly proud to have contributed to that process.
Some of the most meaningful moments come from our helpline and support work – hearing how people affected by meningitis have found strength, reached recovery milestones, or simply felt less alone.
More recently, I’ve been proud to see our global work grow. Meningitis Research Foundation being part of the World Health Organization-led taskforce to defeat meningitis by 2030 is an opportunity for us to tackle meningitis wherever it exists and is especially important at a time when global health funding is under pressure. The need to protect people from meningitis remains as urgent as ever.
Tell us about your role, how has it helped shape change?
Our work brings together both data and lived experiences to drive real change. I work closely with the research and advocacy teams, using outcomes from scientific research alongside stories from people affected to influence policies that can help defeat meningitis.
Behind every statistic is a real person with hopes, dreams and loved ones whose lives have been permanently altered by this disease. When I review case numbers, I'm constantly aware that each figure represents someone's child, parent, sibling, or friend.
A big part of my role has been developing tools like the Meningitis Progress Tracker, which translates complex health data into accessible insights for meningitis advocates across the world. Our goal is to put crucial data into the hands of those who can drive change – so advocates everywhere can promote improved meningitis prevention, treatment and support, effectively turning information into impact.
What inspired you and Tara to take on the London Marathon for Meningitis Research Foundation this year?
I was lucky to get a ballot place, and straight away I knew I wanted to run for Meningitis Research Foundation to mark my fifteen years. Tara took one of our charity places and has been amazing – she’s actually an ultramarathon runner, so I’ve had a brilliant training partner.
We’ve been working together to raise our £2,000 fundraising target which hasn’t been easy. Fundraising has made me appreciate even more what our amazing supporters do every day. And the support from our fundraising team has been fantastic, cheering us on every step of the way.
What’s the story behind the chicken and egg costumes?
We wanted to do something fun to help raise awareness and boost donations, and the chicken and egg idea made us laugh. It also gives us the chance to settle the age-old question of which came first - whoever finishes the marathon first wins!
Symbolically, it fits too - like our work at Meningitis Research Foundation, where research leads to better prevention and support and that in turn drives more research. It’s a bit of light-heartedness for a serious cause, and hopefully it’ll make people smile on race day.
Finally, what would you say to anyone thinking of getting involved with Meningitis Research Foundation?
Please do – whatever form it takes. Whether you’re donating, fundraising, volunteering or sharing your story. Your contribution, whatever form it takes, truly makes a difference in the fight against meningitis.
What's particularly special about supporting Meningitis Research Foundation is the sense of community. You’ll be joining a group of people who care deeply about creating a world free from meningitis.
Together, we're making progress that would be impossible alone, and with your help, we can continue this vital work.
Support Claire and Tara’s marathon fundraiser here.