Mayhem madness for Meningitis Research Foundation

More than 160 people have signed up to take part in the Mayhem challenge in Tipperary on 15th April to raise funds for Meningitis Research Foundation. The large group, predominantly from Cahir, decided to run this event in memory of UCC student Grainne O’Donnell who sadly passed away suddenly after contracting meningitis in February.

Set in the heart of Tipperary, Mayhem participants can sprint, jog, crawl, roll, walk, or drag themselves around the demanding obstacle course, sliding through mud baths, swinging on Tarzan ropes, and jumping through tyres.

There are on average 150-200 cases of bacterial meningitis and septicaemia- the blood poisoning form of the disease in Ireland every year. Sadly one in ten of those people who contract the disease will die and one in three survivors will be left with life changing after effects as severe as amputations, brain damage or deafness. Young adults are the second most at risk group (after young children) of contracting this disease.

Meningitis Research Foundation funds research into the prevention, detection and treatment of meningitis and septicaemia and raises awareness of the diseases amongst both the general public and health professionals. The charity also provides a freefone helpline service: 1800 41 33 44.

Please visit: https://www.gofundme.com/MayhemforMeningitis to make a donation to this event. Every cent counts in the fight against meningitis and septicaemia.

The symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia

Media contacts: For further information please contact Caroline Krieger, Medical Information Officer, on: 01 819 6931/ caroline@meningitis-ireland.org

Background Notes:

• MRF estimates that there are approximately 200 cases of bacterial meningitis and septicaemia every year in Ireland. They are easily mistaken for milder illnesses, but unlike a dose of flu can kill within hours and may cause serious, life-long disabilities. As many as one in 10 of those affected will die and a third of survivors will be left with after-effects, some as serious as brain damage, amputations, blindness and hearing loss
• Since December 2016 all babies born on or after 1st October 2016 are routinely vaccinated against Meningococcal B (MenB) at 2, 4 and 12 months, as part of the Primary Childhood Immunisation Schedule. However no catch up campaign was introduced for older children
• There are currently 17 projects in MRF’s active research programme. Since the charity was founded in 1989, we have awarded 156 research grants. The total value of our investment in vital scientific research is over €24 million
• MRF also supports those already affected with a telephone helpline, home visits and befriending. Our Freefone helpline – 1800 41 33 44 – provides information to the general public and those affected by the disease. We provide symptoms information, research and case studies on this site
• Donations can be made online but people can also donate €2 from their mobile phone by texting MenB to 50300. Texts cost €2. Meningitis Research Foundation will receive a minimum of €1.63. Service provider: LIKECHARITY. Helpline: 076 6805278