Meningitis boss sure of vaccine

Steve Dayman says he is 'confident' of a vaccine for meningitis

The boss of Bristol-based charity Meningitis UK says he is "confident that a vaccine will be found", as clinical trials start in the city.

Some 100 babies in Bristol are taking part in the trials to test out a vaccine against the most common strain of meningitis.

If the trials are successful, researchers hope it could eventually lead to the eradication of meningitis B.

Predictions of when the vaccine will be available range from two to 10 years, with five years thought to be a realistic time span.

Meningitis UK has been dedicated to eradicating the deadly disease for the past 10 years, during which it has raised £4.7m towards vaccine research.

The charity was established by its chief executive Steve Dayman, after he lost his 14-month-old son Spencer to the disease in 1982.

MENINGITIS FACTS Classic symptoms include a headache, stiff neck and a dislike of bright light Other symptoms can include difficulty supporting own weight, fever, vomiting and diarrhoea, confusion and drowsiness It can cause septicaemia, which leads to aching limbs, cold hands and feet and a rash Meningitis can affect anyone of any age, however babies, children under the age of five, young people aged 16-24 and the elderly are most at risk Meningitis is an inflammation of the lining that covers the brain and spinal cord

He said: "When Spencer died, I was told I would never see a vaccine in my lifetime. Even when Meningitis UK opened its first office in Fishponds 10 years ago it seemed a distant ambition.

"But during this period we've moved from basic research to cutting-edge clinical trials.

"It's encouraging that research teams now have candidate vaccines in various stages of development and that's thanks to the continued support and dogged resilience we've seen from our supporters."

Recent developments have meant the first human trials since 1994, giving renewed hope that one day the disease will be eradicated completely.

Well known Bristol TV producer Andy Batten-Foster was struck down with meningitis in 2008.

He tells the story of how it nearly claimed his life on BBC Inside Out West at 7.30pm on Monday, 16 November 2009 ( available on the iPlayer for the seven following days ).

Mr Dayman said families who have experienced the devastation of the disease are the driving force behind Meningitis UK's achievements.

"We need people's support now more than ever as we make the final push," he added.

"With the help of our supporters and general public we're confident that a vaccine will be found to save thousands of lives in the future."

Meningitis UK's Search 4 a Vaccine Campaign aims to raise £7m to fund vital research into eradicating Meningitis B - the most common form of meningitis in the UK, which can kill in under four hours.

To support the Search 4 a Vaccine Campaign, or order your information pack, contact Meningitis UK on 0117 373 73 73 or visit www.meningitisuk.org