A COVENTRY teenager has become a young ambassador for a national charity in a bid to help the battle against the disease which killed his brother.
Toby Adlington, who has now become a Meningitis Now representative, lost his younger sibling Barney in 2005. Barney, who was three, died just 36 hours after contracting Meningitis B.
The 16-year-old plans to work along the charity fundraising, campaigning, raising awareness and providing support to people in his community.
Toby said shortly after Barney passed away his family began to spread awareness of how meningitis affected not only the victim, but also the friends and family around them.
“We used to be very close and he could easily have been my twin,” he added.
“I have witnessed what Meningitis does to people and their families so I’m honoured to join the Young Ambassador team.
“I want to not only spread awareness of this terrible disease but to help younger people understand it can affect them, what it does and how to prevent it.
“I think it’s vital people are aware of its symptoms so they can identify the disease and act fast.”
Meningitis Now, which works to save lives and rebuild the futures of people affected by meningitis through research, support and awareness, now has 38 young ambassadors across the UK, acting as community mouthpieces, aiding the charity’s cause.
Sue Davie, the charity’s chief executive, added: “We’re thrilled Toby has joined us as a face of the charity in his area. His contribution to the charity is commendable, helping us spread awareness and raise vital funds towards eradicating meningitis in the UK.”
She added Toby would be working alongside their regional members.
“Through their support, enthusiasm and hard work, we can achieve great things and together we can beat this disease,” she said.
Visit www.MeningitisNow.org for more.
