Accessibility Statement Skip Navigation
  • Resources
  • Blog
  • Journalists
  • +44 (0)20 7454 5110
  • Client Login
  • Send a Release
Return to PR Newswire homepage
  • News
  • Products
  • Contact
When typing in this field, a list of search results will appear and be automatically updated as you type.

Searching for your content...

No results found. Please change your search terms and try again.
  • News in Focus
      • Browse News Releases

      • All Public Company News
      • All Multimedia News
      • View All News Releases

      • Regulatory News

      • D/A/CH Regulatory News
      • UK Regulatory News
      • View All Regulatory News

  • Business & Money
      • Auto & Transportation

      • Aerospace & Defense
      • Air Freight
      • Airlines & Aviation
      • Automotive
      • Maritime & Shipbuilding
      • Railroads & Intermodal Transportation
      • Supply Chain/Logistics
      • Transportation, Trucking & Railroad
      • Travel
      • Trucking & Road Transportation
      • View All Auto & Transportation

      • Business Technology

      • Blockchain
      • Broadcast Tech
      • Computer & Electronics
      • Computer Hardware
      • Computer Software
      • Data Analytics
      • Electronic Commerce
      • Electronic Components
      • Electronic Design Automation
      • Financial Technology
      • High Tech Security
      • Internet Technology
      • Nanotechnology
      • Networks
      • Peripherals
      • Semiconductors
      • View All Business Technology

      • Entertain­ment & Media

      • Advertising
      • Art
      • Books
      • Entertainment
      • Film & Motion Picture
      • Magazines
      • Music
      • Publishing & Information Services
      • Radio & Podcast
      • Television
      • View All Entertain­ment & Media

      • Financial Services & Investing

      • Accounting News & Issues
      • Acquisitions, Mergers & Takeovers
      • Banking & Financial Services
      • Bankruptcy
      • Bond & Stock Ratings
      • Conference Call Announcements
      • Contracts
      • Cryptocurrency
      • Dividends
      • Earnings
      • Earnings Forecasts & Projections
      • Financing Agreements
      • Insurance
      • Investments Opinions
      • Joint Ventures
      • Mutual Funds
      • Private Placement
      • Real Estate
      • Restructuring & Recapitalisation
      • Sales Reports
      • Shareholder Activism
      • Shareholder Meetings
      • Stock Offering
      • Stock Split
      • Venture Capital
      • View All Financial Services & Investing

      • General Business

      • Awards
      • Commercial Real Estate
      • Corporate Expansion
      • Earnings
      • Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG)
      • Human Resource & Workforce Management
      • Licensing
      • New Products & Services
      • Obituaries
      • Outsourcing Businesses
      • Overseas Real Estate (non-US)
      • Personnel Announcements
      • Real Estate Transactions
      • Residential Real Estate
      • Small Business Services
      • Socially Responsible Investing
      • Surveys, Polls & Research
      • Trade Show News
      • View All General Business

  • Science & Tech
      • Consumer Technology

      • Artificial Intelligence
      • Blockchain
      • Cloud Computing/Internet of Things
      • Computer Electronics
      • Computer Hardware
      • Computer Software
      • Consumer Electronics
      • Cryptocurrency
      • Data Analytics
      • Electronic Commerce
      • Electronic Gaming
      • Financial Technology
      • Mobile Entertainment
      • Multimedia & Internet
      • Peripherals
      • Social Media
      • STEM (Science, Tech, Engineering, Math)
      • Supply Chain/Logistics
      • Wireless Communications
      • View All Consumer Technology

      • Energy & Natural Resources

      • Alternative Energies
      • Chemical
      • Electrical Utilities
      • Gas
      • General Manufacturing
      • Mining
      • Mining & Metals
      • Oil & Energy
      • Oil & Gas Discoveries
      • Utilities
      • Water Utilities
      • View All Energy & Natural Resources

      • Environ­ment

      • Conservation & Recycling
      • Environmental Issues
      • Environmental Policy
      • Environmental Products & Services
      • Green Technology
      • Natural Disasters
      • View All Environ­ment

      • Heavy Industry & Manufacturing

      • Aerospace & Defence
      • Agriculture
      • Chemical
      • Construction & Building
      • General Manufacturing
      • HVAC (Heating, Ventilation & Air-Conditioning)
      • Machinery
      • Machine Tools, Metalworking & Metallurgy
      • Mining
      • Mining & Metals
      • Paper, Forest Products & Containers
      • Precious Metals
      • Textiles
      • Tobacco
      • View All Heavy Industry & Manufacturing

      • Telecomm­unications

      • Carriers & Services
      • Mobile Entertainment
      • Networks
      • Peripherals
      • Telecommunications Equipment
      • Telecommunications Industry
      • VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol)
      • Wireless Communications
      • View All Telecomm­unications

  • Lifestyle & Health
      • Consumer Products & Retail

      • Animals & Pets
      • Beers, Wines & Spirits
      • Beverages
      • Bridal Services
      • Cannabis
      • Cosmetics & Personal Care
      • Fashion
      • Food & Beverages
      • Furniture & Furnishings
      • Home Improvement
      • Household, Consumer & Cosmetics
      • Household Products
      • Jewellery
      • Non-Alcoholic Beverages
      • Office Products
      • Organic Food
      • Product Recalls
      • Restaurants
      • Retail
      • Supermarkets
      • Toys
      • View All Consumer Products & Retail

      • Entertain­ment & Media

      • Advertising
      • Art
      • Books
      • Entertainment
      • Film & Motion Picture
      • Magazines
      • Music
      • Publishing & Information Services
      • Radio & Podcast
      • Television
      • View All Entertain­ment & Media

      • Health

      • Biometrics
      • Biotechnology
      • Clinical Trials & Medical Discoveries
      • Dentistry
      • FDA Approval
      • Fitness/Wellness
      • Health Care & Hospitals
      • Health Insurance
      • Infection Control
      • International Medical Approval
      • Medical Equipment
      • Medical Pharmaceuticals
      • Mental Health
      • Pharmaceuticals
      • Supplementary Medicine
      • View All Health

      • Sports

      • General Sports
      • Outdoors, Camping & Hiking
      • Sporting Events
      • Sports Equipment & Accessories
      • View All Sports

      • Travel

      • Amusement Parks & Tourist Attractions
      • Gambling & Casinos
      • Hotels & Resorts
      • Leisure & Tourism
      • Outdoors, Camping & Hiking
      • Passenger Aviation
      • Travel Industry
      • View All Travel

  • Policy & Public Interest
      • Policy & Public Interest

      • Animal Welfare
      • Corporate Social Responsibility
      • Economic News, Trends & Analysis
      • Education
      • Environmental
      • European Government
      • Labour & Union
      • Natural Disasters
      • Not For Profit
      • Public Safety
      • View All Policy & Public Interest

  • People & Culture
      • People & Culture

      • Aboriginal, First Nations & Native American
      • African American
      • Asian American
      • Children
      • Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
      • Hispanic
      • Lesbian, Gay & Bisexual
      • Men's Interest
      • People with Disabilities
      • Religion
      • Senior Citizens
      • Veterans
      • Women
      • View All People & Culture

  • Overview
  • Distribution
  • Paid Placement
  • Multichannel Amplification
  • Disclosure Services
  • SocialBoost
  • Rooms
    • MediaRoom
    • ESG Rooms
  • AI Tools
  • General Enquiries
  • Media Enquiries
  • Partnerships
  • Hamburger menu
  • Cision PR Newswire UK provides press release distribution, targeting, monitoring, and marketing services
  • Send a Release
    • Phone

    • +44 (0)20 7454 5110 from 8 AM - 5:30 PM GMT

    • ALL CONTACT INFO
    • Contact Us

      +44 (0)20 7454 5110
      from 8 AM - 5:30 PM GMT

  • Client Login
  • Send a Release
  • Resources
  • Blog
  • Journalists
  • News in Focus
    • Browse News Releases
    • Regulatory News
  • Business & Money
    • Auto & Transportation
    • Business Technology
    • Entertain­ment & Media
    • Financial Services & Investing
    • General Business
  • Science & Tech
    • Consumer Technology
    • Energy & Natural Resources
    • Environ­ment
    • Heavy Industry & Manufacturing
    • Telecomm­unications
  • Lifestyle & Health
    • Consumer Products & Retail
    • Entertain­ment & Media
    • Health
    • Sports
    • Travel
  • Policy & Public Interest
    • Policy & Public Interest
  • People & Culture
    • People & Culture
  • Client Login
  • Send a Release
  • Resources
  • Blog
  • Journalists
  • Overview
  • Distribution
  • Paid Placement
  • Multichannel Amplification
  • Disclosure Services
  • Cision Communications Cloud®
  • AI Tools
  • Client Login
  • Send a Release
  • Resources
  • Blog
  • Journalists
  • General Enquiries
  • Media Enquiries
  • Partnerships
  • Client Login
  • Send a Release
  • Resources
  • Blog
  • Journalists

Unique Portraits of Child Meningitis Survivors


News provided by

Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics

09 Feb, 2014, 10:00 GMT

Share this article

Share toX

Share this article

Share toX

This image opens in the lightbox
Amber, five, from Croxteth, Liverpool, is the youngest child to be photographed by Anne Geddes. Amber lost her legs and arms after contracting the disease aged two. She is pictured with her sister Jade. (PRNewsFoto/Novartis)
This image opens in the lightbox
Ellie-May, nine, from Little Clacton, Essex, lost her lower legs and arms after contracting meningitis at 16 months. She is photographed with her twin sister Sophie. (PRNewsFoto/Novartis)
This image opens in the lightbox
Harvey, eight, from Enfield, Greater London, lost both of his legs to meningitis just one week after starting to walk. Harvey is now a successful child athlete. (PRNewsFoto/Novartis)

LONDON, February 9, 2014 /PRNewswire/ --

INTERNATIONAL photographer and artist Anne Geddes invites us to take a fresh look at disability, with three new thought-provoking portraits of UK children who have lost limbs to meningitis.

     (Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140209/668113-a )

     (Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140209/668113-b )

     (Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140209/668113-c )

Amber Travers (5), Ellie-May Challis (9), and Harvey Parry (8) will appear, alongside their families and other children affected by the disease from around the world, in a new e-book for the Protecting Our Tomorrows campaign, to be launched on World Meningitis Day, 24 April 2014.

The project makes use of Anne's famous photographic skills to capture the beauty and innocence of childhood with the dreadful impact of meningitis in a way which is both compelling and unsentimental.

Anne said: "As a mother and passionate advocate of children, I want to empower parents to understand meningitis and know how best to protect their children. You only need to look at Amber, Ellie and Harvey to understand the impact of this devastating disease. It really would be your worst nightmare to see any child go through such an ordeal.

"But at the same time, these children and their families are overcoming huge obstacles to rebuild their lives and these beautiful pictures capture their strength in the face of adversity."

Amber, who lost her arms and legs after contracting the disease aged two, was the youngest child to be photographed and appears alongside her sister Jade, aged eight. Ellie-May Challis lost her lower legs and arms at 16 months and is photographed with her twin sister Sophie. Harvey lost both his legs and part of his hands just one week after starting to walk, and is now a successful athlete running on blades.

Protecting Our Tomorrows is a global campaign, led by the Confederation of Meningitis Organisations (CoMO) and supported in the UK by Meningitis Now, Meningitis Research Foundation and Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics Limited. Through the use of thought-provoking and inspiring photographs captured by campaign ambassador Anne Geddes, the project will highlight the impact that this sudden, aggressive disease can have on survivors and families.

Bacterial meningitis is the leading infectious killer in children under five[1] and strikes 3,400 people every year in the UK[2]. The majority of these cases are caused by Meningitis B, which accounts for around 55% of all bacterial meningitis and septicaemia cases. Up to one in ten of those who contract meningitis will die[3] and many survivors are left with life-long after-effects, including amputations[4]. Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent and control bacterial meningitis,[5] however children in the UK are not routinely protected against all types.

Commenting jointly on the campaign, Meningitis Now and Meningitis Research Foundation said: "Anne Geddes has delivered a unique and creative approach to a disease we have spent years fighting. Too many children face death and disability from meningitis every year. We hope these stunning portraits will raise awareness of the disease, its symptoms and the impact it has on thousands of families every year."

In addition to Amber, Ellie-May and Harvey, children from Australia, Canada, Germany, Ireland and Spain will also feature in the e-book.

Notes to editors

About meningitis

Meningitis is the inflammation of the membranes that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord. These bacteria usually live harmlessly in the back of the throat. Most of us will carry them at some stage in our lives without becoming ill, and they help us build up natural immunity (protection against the disease). Occasionally, these germs get past the body's defences and cause infection.

Symptoms include fever, vomiting, severe headache, rash (not present in all cases), stiff neck*, dislike of bright lights*, very sleepy/vacant/difficult to wake, confusion/deliriousness and seizures (fits). *Unusual in young children. Other symptoms in babies include a tense or bulging fontanelle (soft spot on the head), refusing to feed, being irritable when picked up with a high pitched or moaning cry, a stiff body with jerky movements or a floppy and lifeless body.

Meningococcal disease is the leading cause of bacterial meningitis in the UK and Meningitis B accounts for the majority of these cases. There is currently no broadly available vaccine for Meningitis B in the UK.

References        

1. Office for National Statistics. Mortality statistics: Deaths registered in 2012 (Series DR). Available at: http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/publications/re-reference-tables.html?edition=tcm%3A77-277727. Accessed January 2014

2. Meningitis Research Foundation. UK Facts and Figures (webpage). Available at: http://www.meningitis.org/facts. Accessed January 2014

3. World Health Organization. Meningococcal meningitis factsheet. Nov 2012. Available at: http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs141/en/. Accessed January 2014

4. Rosenstein NE, et al. Meningococcal disease. N Engl J Med 2001;344:1378-88

5. World Health Organization. Meningococcal Position Paper. Weekly Epidemiological Record No. 40, 2002, 77, 329-340. Available at: http://www.who.int/immunization/wer7740meningococcal_Oct02_position_paper.pdf. Accessed January 2014.

Modal title

Contact PR Newswire

  • +44 (0)20 7454 5110
    from 8 AM - 5:30 PM GMT
  • General Enquiries
  • Media Enquiries
  • Partnerships

Products

  • Content Distribution
  • Multimedia Services
  • Disclosure Services
  • Cision Communications Cloud®

About

  • About PR Newswire
  • About Cision
  • Partnering Opportunities
  • Careers
  • Accessibility Statement
  • APAC
  • APAC - Simplified Chinese
  • APAC - Traditional Chinese
  • Brazil
  • Canada
  • Czech
  • Denmark
  • Finland
  • France
  • Germany
  • India
  • Indonesia
  • Israel
  • Japan
  • Korea
  • Mexico
  • Middle East
  • Middle East - Arabic
  • Netherlands
  • Norway
  • Poland
  • Portugal
  • Russia
  • Slovakia
  • Spain
  • Sweden
  • United States
  • Vietnam

My Services

  • All News Releases
  • Customer Portal
  • Resources
  • Blog
  • Journalists
  • Data Privacy

Do not sell or share my personal information:

  • Submit via Privacy@cision.com 
  • Call Privacy toll-free: 877-297-8921

Contact PR Newswire

Products

About

My Services
  • All News Releases
  • Customer Portal
  • Resources
  • Blog
  • Journalists
+44 (0)20 7454 5110
from 8 AM - 5:30 PM GMT
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Information Security Policy
  • Site Map
  • RSS
  • Cookie Settings
Copyright © 2025 PR Newswire Europe Limited. All Rights Reserved. A Cision company.