A Huddersfield grandfather has taken on a prestigious voluntary role with the country’s largest meningitis charity.
And Ian Watkinson has done so after fighting back from his own family experience of the disease.
Ian, 65, from Shelley, lost his grandson Charlie Mann at the age of just 15 weeks but will work alongside Meningitis Now regional officers to help fund vital research, raise awareness and support others who have suffered from the disease.
The role recognises the part played by committed supporters in the charity’s work. Ian becomes just one of 36 people around the UK to be invited to become a Community Ambassador.
“Becoming a Community Ambassador is a real honour” Ian said. “I’m delighted to have this opportunity to give something back to Meningitis Now and make a difference with their work in my local community.
“With their support no one in Yorkshire will have to face meningitis alone.
“I know only too well how cruel this disease can be and I don’t want other local families to go through what we have. It’s vital that everybody recognises the signs and symptoms and knows what action to take if they suspect meningitis. This role will be a challenge but I’m determined to make a difference.”
Ian came into contact with Meningitis Now following the death of his baby grandson Charlie, in 2010, through staff at Alder Hey Hospital.
“My family and I were immediately embraced by Chris Hughes, the charity’s regional officer, and the team - they were wonderful,” Ian said.
“When Charlie was taken ill, no-one recognised the symptoms. By the time he was seen by the local hospital, the damage was done. He was taken to the specialist unit at Alder Hey, but it was too late. He died in his parents’ arms a few days later.
“No family should have to go through this. We immediately decided that we would work with Meningitis Now to raise money and, particularly, to raise awareness of the symptoms of this dreadful disease.
Ian’s daughter Katy wrote a blog recounting the journey from Charlie’s first signs of distress to the end of his short life; it attracted hundreds of thousands of visitors. Her husband Chris initiated a Twitter campaign asking celebrities to re-tweet a simple message about awareness; many did so and millions of their followers got the message.”
The family has organised lots of fundraisers, including cricket matches, concerts, ladies’ evenings, auctions and a Toddle Waddle – a short sponsored walk for the under 5s to help raise awareness.
Across the UK there are about 3,200 cases of bacterial meningitis and up to 6,000 cases of viral meningitis each year. For more information visit www.MeningitisNow.org
