A Stroud-based charity will take centre stage on national television this weekend as Meningitis Now features in the BBC’s Lifeline Appeal.
The ten-minute film will be shown on BBC One at 12.35pm on Sunday, October 4. It will share the experiences of people whose lives have been changed by meningitis, including Graeme and Gail, David and Russell, and Arthur and Alex.
For Meningitis Now, the broadcast is an opportunity to explain the lasting impact meningitis can have on individuals and families, while asking viewers to help fund support for people facing some of the most difficult moments of their lives.
When to watch the Meningitis Now appeal
The appeal will be presented by Seema Jaswal, the charity’s celebrity ambassador. Jaswal has personal experience of the illness, having had meningitis as a teenager.
“Having had meningitis myself as a teenager, Meningitis Now is a cause very close to my heart.”
She urged viewers to watch the programme, share it with others and donate so the charity can continue helping people affected by meningitis.
“Please join me – watch, share and donate so Meningitis Now can be there for people affected by meningitis when they need it most.”
People who miss the first broadcast will have further opportunities to see the appeal. It is scheduled to be repeated on BBC Two at 1.05am on Tuesday, October 6, and at 12.50pm on Friday, October 9. The film will also be available on BBC iPlayer.
Donations to be matched
Every donation made to the Lifeline Appeal will be matched pound-for-pound up to £2,500. The matching arrangement has been provided through Meningitis Now’s charity corporate partner, Carter Ruck.
This means donations made during the appeal could have twice the value to the charity, up to the stated matching limit. Funds raised will support Meningitis Now’s work across the UK, including efforts to save lives and help people affected by meningitis rebuild their futures.
The charity said the film comes at a time of growing concern around meningitis. By bringing together the accounts of people who have experienced the disease, the appeal aims to show the consequences for both those who become ill and the families supporting them.
For residents in Stroud, the broadcast offers a chance to see the work of an organisation based in the town reach a national audience. Viewers can watch the BBC broadcasts, share the appeal and donate through the Lifeline Appeal, with contributions eligible for the pound-for-pound match up to £2,500.