MENINGITIS Now, the new name for the merged charities the Meningitis Trust and Meningitis UK, has launched its 2013 Ribbon Appeal, which gives everyone an opportunity to remember loved ones this Christmas – and we’d like to invite your readers in Trafford to dedicate their own ribbon.

Each year the charity helps people to honour those they have lost with a ribbon inscribed with their family member or friend’s name. These are placed on our Tree of Remembrance at our Christmas concerts, being held this year in Liverpool, Llandaff and Gloucester. A permanent tribute is also made in our Book of Remembrance.

To dedicate a ribbon visit our website at MeningitisNow.org/ribbon before November 25. Ribbons can be placed by anyone left bereaved, regardless of the circumstances or cause of their loss, and all donations received in exchange for a ribbon will help Meningitis Now save lives and rebuild futures, through research, awareness and support.

It’s only through the generosity of individuals that we’re able to offer our lifesaving and life-changing services, and your support really does make a difference. For example, the funds raised from donations to our ribbon appeal last year meant we could make nearly 300,000 extra people aware of the signs and symptoms of the disease, taking the first steps to protect themselves and their family and friends.

I hope your readers will be able to help us again this year as we continue the fight against meningitis.

If anyone would like to know more about our fight against meningitis and our Ribbon Appeal, or get tickets for one of our Christmas Concerts being held during December, please visit our website.

Jenny Heslegrave, Individual Giving Fundraiser