Harvington Hall will be lit up in purple on the 5th October to mark World Meningitis Day. It is one of 17 buildings and landmarks across the UK lighting up for the Meningitis Research Foundation to spread awareness and remember those whose lives have been affected by this deadly and debilitating disease.

Meningitis affects 2.5 million people worldwide. Tragically, around half of meningitis deaths are children under five, but meningitis can affect anyone, anywhere at any time.

Meningitis Research Foundation ambassador, Dianne Spalding lost her husband, John, a GP, to meningococcal sepsis just before Christmas. This year marks the tenth anniversary of John’s death and Dianne has shared her story in Meningitis In Your Words, the charity’s digital collection of meningitis experiences, to warn others of the dangers.

Dianne, from Kidderminster, said: “On 23rd December 2014, my life changed forever in three minutes. Ours was a sudden loss with no warning and not having that chance to hold John and tell him how much I loved him (although he knew) was so hard. There was no time to adjust to our life without him. I share my story in the hope that no other family has to go through what we have been through.”

Raising awareness is one of the key aspects of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Global Road Map to Defeat Meningitis by 2030, which could save up to 200,000 people from dying from meningitis every year.

World Meningitis Day is a key milestone in the road map and the annual moment to unite against meningitis, preventing cases and saving lives. To mark the day, Meningitis Research Foundation is asking people to help to create a global chain of light around the world. Anyone can take part simply by lighting a candle, decorating with fairy lights, or leaving a light on, at 20.30 (8.30pm) and sharing it on social media with the hashtags #WorldMeningitisDay and #DefeatMeningitis.

Vinny Smith, Chief Executive of Meningitis Research Foundation, said: “Meningitis is a medical emergency. Minutes matter - awareness and early recognition of the signs saves lives. That’s why on World Meningitis Day every year people come together from all corners of the globe to ensure no one learns about meningitis for the first time when they are seriously ill. We are encouraging everyone to show their support for the aims of the World Health Organization’s Global Road Map to Defeat Meningitis by 2030. Join us in helping to light the road ahead at the symbolic time of 20.30 (8.30pm), in remembrance of all those affected by meningitis and welcoming hope for the future.”

For information about World Meningitis Day and how to get involved in the campaign visit the website.

To read Dianne’s story in full, click here.