Lisa, who has been a Patron with the charity since contracting meningitis in 2010, was appointed as President at a moving Christmas concert at St Paul’s Church in London’s Covent Garden on 11 December.
She will be taking over from TV News presenter Andrew Harvey as he steps back after 25 years in the role.
Lisa has been an active supporter of Meningitis Now since falling ill with viral meningitis in 2010. Despite terrible headaches and other signs of the disease Lisa continued to present her Capital London breakfast radio show.
She only sought medical attention after switching on the Bond Street Christmas lights in December that year, where she nearly collapsed in pain.
Since then, Lisa has supported Meningitis Now to spread awareness of the signs and symptoms of the disease, some of which she herself experienced without recognising them as relating to meningitis.
Lisa has taken part in awareness campaigns for the charity over the past decade along with raising tens of thousands of pounds for the charity’s work to support people affected by the disease.
Delighted
Lisa said, “I am absolutely delighted to be taking up the role of the President of Meningitis Now. It is a charity which is very close to my heart and I’ve seen at firsthand how the charity is there to support people whose lives have been devastated by this disease.”
“I hope to be able to help many more people understand the dangers of meningitis, and the warning signs to watch out for.”
Meningitis is an inflammation of the membranes which cover the brain and spinal cord. It can affect people of all ages, with babies and infants, adolescents and students particularly at risk, as well as adults over sixty.
1 in 10
Around 1 in 10 people will die in cases of bacterial meningitis, and it can kill within 24 hours. Survivors are often left with life changing after effects such as limb loss, sensory impairment, brain injury, as well as a host of psychological, emotional and mental health issues.
The early signs and symptoms of meningitis can be similar to flu and include fever, headache, nausea, vomiting and muscle pain.
More specific signs and symptoms include fever with cold hands and feet, drowsiness, confusion, pale blotchy skin, stiff neck, dislike of bright lights and a rash which doesn’t fade under pressure.
Vital role
Meningitis Now’s Chief Executive Dr Tom Nutt said, “We are so pleased to welcome Lisa as our President. This is a vital role in supporting us to achieve our vision of a future where nobody in the UK loses their life to meningitis and everyone affected gets the support they need to rebuild their lives.”
Dr Nutt added, “My thanks also go to Andrew Harvey as he steps down from the role, to become one of our longest-serving patrons.”
Lisa will represent the charity at functions and events to help further the charity’s aims, and promote appeals and initiatives.
