A Meningitis Now photography exhibition, “Stories of Hope: Meningitis Now at 40,” will launch Nailsworth, marking the charity’s 40th anniversary.
The exhibition features 40 personal stories from individuals affected by meningitis, highlighting resilience and recovery.
The exhibition launches on Wednesday, April 8 at Three Storeys Gallery. The location holds special significance as the town is near the centre of the 1980s meningitis outbreak that led to the charity being founded.
Contributors include designer Caroline Gardner, England rugby player Rosie Galligan, and co-founder Dr Jane Wells, alongside others such as broadcaster Andrew Harvey and activist Tilly Lockey.
The launch comes shortly after a meningitis outbreak in Kent that resulted in two deaths and 20 hospitalisations, underscoring the importance of awareness.
Photographed by Carmel King, the exhibition aims to inspire action and reflect on the charity’s legacy. It begins at Three Storeys Gallery (8–12 April) before touring the UK, including stops in London, Manchester, Cardiff, and Edinburgh.
Chief Executive Dr Tom Nutt said the exhibition highlights both the devastating impact of meningitis and the resilience of those rebuilding their lives, while reinforcing the need for continued awareness and progress toward eliminating the disease.
Dr Nutt said, “As we mark 40 years of Meningitis Now, this powerful exhibition shines a light on the human impact of meningitis, the lives changed in an instant, the challenges that follow, and the extraordinary resilience of people rebuilding their futures.”
“At a time when we are seeing meningitis once again making headlines, it is vital that we continue to raise awareness. These stories are not only a testament to how far we have come over the past four decades, but a reminder of why we must keep going until no one’s life is devastated by meningitis.”
For more information about the stories of hope exhibition visit www.meningitisnow.org
