# Meningitis charities merge to become Meningitis Now

- Link: https://fundraising.co.uk/2013/10/21/meningitis-charities-merge-become-meningitis-now/
- Published: 2013-10-21T15:16:54+01:00
- Author: Howard Lake

Following their merger in April this year, Bristol-based Meningitis UK and Gloucester-
based Meningitis Trust have now become [Meningitis Now](http://www.MeningitisNow.org).
The charity will fund pioneering research to eradicate the disease, support those
affected and raise awareness.

Founder Steve Dayman MBE, who launched his fight against the disease after losing
his baby Spencer to meningitis over 30 years ago, said: “It feels amazing to launch
after months of preparation. Meningitis Now can comprehensively fight the horrific
disease on all fronts – we exist to save lives and rebuild futures.”

The fundraising department in the merged charity has around 20 fundraisers, and 
the charity is now hosting and taking part in more events that the two charities
used to do separately.

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The charity aims to raise nearly £3.5million in its first year, from April 2013 
to March 2014.  This is close to what the two charities generated in total when 
separate.

The Meningitis UK office in Bristol will close from 1 November in order to reduce
costs. All staff are moving to the Stroud office.

The individual charities’ running vests and other fundraising and promotional material
are being used until they run out.

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