Hundreds of people across the UK have joined with the charity Meningitis Now to light up their homes and gardens as part of a global initiative in remembrance of those affected by the disease.

Candles were lit across the country for World Meningitis Day and Meningitis Now supporters gathered in the Gloucestershire town of Stroud where families first got together in the 1980s following an outbreak of the disease.

Meningitis Now CEO Tom Nutt and staff light candles for World Meningitis Day

The theme of World Meningitis Day 2023 is to ‘light the road ahead’ towards achieving the World Health Organisation’s goal of defeating meningitis by 2030.

Supporters joined the charity to mark the occasion by lighting candles, lanterns or fairy lights in their homes, and many watched on as Stroud’s iconic Sub Rooms was illuminated orange in recognition of families who have lost loved ones to the disease.

Chief Executive at Meningitis Now Dr Tom Nutt said, “World Meningitis Day always conjures mixed emotions, not least the poignancy of remembrance and the optimism that comes from thinking of a better future.”

“Meningitis Now continues to light the way for meningitis vaccination research, providing vital support and after-care for anyone affected by meningitis, and raising awareness of the disease so that everyone in the UK knows how best to protect themselves and others.”

Supporters of the charity posted their own remembrance images on the Meningitis Now facebook page – https://tinyurl.com/3zfmcdvx

Meningitis is the inflammation of the membranes that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord. The disease can affect anyone of any age and in the most serious cases can be life threatening. Meningitis can cause long-term after-effects, including brain injury, loss of limbs and hearing loss.

Meningitis symptoms can appear in any order and some may not appear at all. Early symptoms of meningitis can include fever with cold hands and feet, vomiting, muscle pain, stomach cramps and headaches.