Wartime bravery of North Uist Flying Nightingale Our four page Lifestyle section begins on page 14 Page 13
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April 2014
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JOY AS UIST MENINGITIS CAMPAIGNER SEES VACCINE MADE AVAILABLE Recent news that the Government is to make available on the NHS a vaccine for babies against meningitis B filled Sollas woman Sue Neale with a sense of ‘overwhelming relief and joy.’ Mrs Neale’s son was critically ill with meningococcal B and meningococcal septicaemia as a two year old. She lost two cousins, both boys, as toddlers from the disease. Mrs Neale went on to help found and then chair the Meningitis Trust (now Meningitis Now) in the 1990s. The Trust was formed in 1985 after a lethal outbreak of the disease in Stroud, Gloucestershire. Last year the EU granted a licence for a vaccine against Meningitis B, but the NHS refused to roll it out as part of the routine childhood immunisation programme. Mrs Neale, who moved to North Uist five years ago said: “Those who could afford it bought it for their children, priced upwards of £300 - out of reach for poor families. “Meningitis Now has campaigned tirelessly to force a government U turn, and succeeded.” The Beat It Now! Campaign gathered 36,500 signatures and rallied health professionals and scientists to show their support. Mrs Neale said: “I feel moved that so many families
Sue Neale, founder member and former chairman of the Meningitis Trust.
have fought back and supported the work of the Trust, but also sad and regretful that so many have suffered. “I hope there is a catch-up programme for older toddlers, children and teenagers. “In the meantime the charity
will concentrate on the support of sufferers and their families.” Mrs Neale added: “The children of Dunskellar Croileagan played their part when they did a toddle waddle in May 2010 to raise money for the Meningitis Trust.”
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