“We’re proud to provide this unique, life-changing support – the only meningitis organisation to do so in the UK.”
A top para sportsman is one of the latest people to benefit from our life-changing and unique Rebuilding Futures Fund, which provides financial, practical and emotional support for people of all ages affected by meningitis.
The fund has paid the deposit on a new car under the Motability scheme for Para Ice Hockey player Anthony Booth, who has represented Great Britain many times, including at the World Championships and the Winter Paralympic Games.
But Anthony, who now plays for the Manchester Mayhem Para Ice Hockey team and works at British Para Ice Hockey, was struggling to get around because his existing car was not suitable for him.
He told us: “I needed a smaller car, something which wouldn’t be as high as my current car. I was struggling to get in and out of this and it was causing me further injuries – I’d had a few falls. I needed a car that would meet my needs.
Swift and stress free
“The process to apply for the Rebuilding Futures Fund was very swift and stress free, and I’m truly grateful to Meningitis Now for their kind donation towards my new car – which is far more suitable for me than my previous one.”
Anthony had his legs amputated at the age of 9 due to meningococcal meningitis. “As you can imagine this turned my life completely upside down,” he said. “I was a young fit child and a very fast runner who won all the sports days at school – my nickname was the ‘whippet’.
“Adjusting to my new life was very difficult and very upsetting and it took me a long time to adjust. Para ice hockey has made and still does make a big difference for me. And now, being able to get out and about more easily will make a big difference too.”
Such a difference
Meningitis Now’s Helpline and Information Nurse Manager Claire Donovan said: “This is exactly the sort of help the Rebuilding Futures Fund is there to provide. It can make such a difference to those fighting back from meningitis and its devastating after-effects. We’re so pleased to know that our Rebuilding Futures Fund support for Anthony helped provide him with the solution he needed for his mobility needs and that it is having such a positive impact on his life.”
Claire added: “We know meningitis can have a devastating impact on many aspects of life and affect people’s ability to engage in some of the things most people take for granted.
“That’s where our Rebuilding Futures Fund can make such a difference by providing a practical solution that works, bringing opportunity and reducing stress and anxiety.
“We’re proud to provide this unique, life-changing support – the only meningitis organisation to do so in the UK.”
Support for people of all ages
Our Rebuilding Futures Fund provides financial, practical and emotional support for people of all ages affected by meningitis.
It comprises four separate areas – Health and Wellbeing; Opportunities; Specialist Equipment; and Bereavement. Each area provides funding towards different types of support, but they are all designed to help people rebuild their futures with hope and confidence.
If you, or someone you know would benefit from the Rebuilding Futures Fund please get in touch by contacting your Regional Community Support Officer or our Helpline, on 0808 80 10 388 or by emailing helpline@meningitisnow.org.
Interested in Para Ice Hockey? Find out more here.
