Monday 23rd June 2008
The Meningitis Trust has expressed delight at being chosen by Topaz as its Retail Charity Partner of the Year for 2008/2009. Partnering with Topaz, Ireland’s largest fuel and convenience retailer, will allow the Trust to have a collection point in virtually every county in Ireland.
Carole Nealon, General Manager of the Meningitis Trust underlined the importance of being selected as the Topaz Retail Charity Partner for 2008/2009. “This will really help the Meningitis Trust to raise the vital funds necessary to inform people of the serious threat Meningitis poses to health. The Topaz initiative is fantastic as we receive no statutory funding for our services.”
Ms. Nealon explained “Meningitis kills more under 5’s in Ireland than any other infectious disease. However, it can also affect people of all ages and from all walks of life.”
This is the first major charity partnership for Topaz which acquired the Irish retail and commercial fuels businesses of Shell and Statoil in 2005 and 2006 respectively.
Danny Murray, CEO of Topaz said, “We are delighted to be working with the Meningitis Trust and hope that we can help them raise a significant amount of money over the course of the year. Meningitis can touch any family in the community and as we have a nationwide network we feel that we are the perfect partner for the Trust. We are woven into the fabric of every community in Ireland and hope not only to raise much need funds but to also help increase awareness of the disease.”
The Meningitis Trust provides support through counselling, home visits and a nationwide 24 hour nurse-led Helpline 1800 523 196. The Meningitis Trust educates healthcare professionals by hosting awareness presentations. It further increases the awareness of meningitis and associated septicaemia through the distribution of ‘Signs and Symptoms’ cards which are available to the general public free of charge. Information on the disease will also be available at each Topaz retail and service station.
Further information is available at www.meningitis-trust.ie
For further press information press information please contact:
Ger Mills 087-9680068
Editors Notes:
Meningitis Trust Freephone Helpline Number: 1800 523 196
For more information contact Carole Nealon at the Meningitis Trust on:
Tel: +353 (0)1 2762050
Mob: +353 (0)86 824 9720
Email: carolen@meningitis-trust.ie
About the Meningitis Trust
The Meningitis Trust is a leading meningitis charity, raising awareness of meningitis and septicaemia through specialist knowledge, education and training and giving practical support for life to people coping with the after-effects.
Specifically, the Meningitis Trust provides support through the following services:
- A 24-hour nurse-led helpline offering information and support
- Home visits
- Professional counselling
The Meningitis Trust depends almost entirely on the generous support of organisations and the public to fund its extensive support services, awareness campaigns and vaccine research.
About meningitis
Meningitis is a life-threatening infection, which affects the membranes that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord. Meningitis and its associated disease, septicaemia (blood poisoning), can kill within hours and can affect anyone at any time. Those most at risk are children under the age of five; teenagers and young adults; and people over 55.
Approximately 300 cases are reported every year in Ireland, but meningitis experts estimate that this is half of the true picture. There is still no vaccine available to protect against the meningococcal group B, the most common bacterial cause of the disease in Ireland.
It is vital that people know how to detect the signs and symptoms as medical help should be sought immediately. Common signs and symptoms include fever (cold hands and feet), joint or muscle pain, vomiting, headache, stiff neck, dislike of bright lights, drowsiness, confusion, and also, in babies, dislike of being handled, pale blotchy skin, high-pitched cry, and a blank staring expression. Both adults and children may have a rash (septicaemia) that doesn’t disappear under pressure.
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