AS A patron of Meningitis UK, I’m writing to mark its 10th anniversary on July 28.

The charity and its loyal supporters have raised a fantastic £4.7m towards life-saving research into finding a vaccine for this devastating disease.

I first got involved with the meningitis cause after my son Andrew, then 24, fell dangerously ill with the brain bug and was left in a coma fighting for his life.

Thankfully he pulled through and made a full recovery.

We were lucky but appreciate hundreds of others aren’t so fortunate.

Meningitis affects around 3,000 people each year and around 300 die, which is why it’s so important to find a vaccine.

Meningitis UK’s Search 4 a Vaccine Campaign aims to raise £7m to help fund cutting-edge research to develop a vaccine against Meningitis B – the strain which causes almost 90 per cent of cases in the UK.

Meningitis UK urgently needs your support, now more than ever, as scientists predict this ultimate goal could be achieved within the next five to 10 years. What was once an unrealistic dream could be a reality with your help.

As a patron for such a worthwhile cause, I would like to use the opportunity to ask you to get involved. Here are a few simple suggestions: Bag pack at your local supermarket for donations.

Organise a dress down day at work or school.

Volunteer at a Meningitis UK event.

Organise a Dinner 4 Good summer event by asking friends for donations in return for a meal.

Hold a coffee and cake morning.

Distribute symptoms cards in your local area.

Donate your time in return for a donation, for example mow your neighbour’s lawn or wash a car.

Take part in a sponsored head shave or leg wax.

Donate a percentage of your profits from Ebay sales.

Make a donation of £10 on Meningitis UK’s 10th anniversary.

For further information, or to lend your support, call Meningitis UK on 0117 373 7373 or visit meningitisuk.org

Denis Law
Patron, Meningitis UK and former European Footballer of the Year