THIS week not only marks the beginning of March, but also the start of the Meningitis Trust’s Coffee Break fundraising event. For the whole month, people up and down the country are being encouraged to get friends, family or colleagues together to enjoy a coffee and slice of cake in a bid to raise funds for the charity.

As an Ambassador for the charity, I am calling out on its behalf for people to take part and make a difference in an instant. The charity’s work is vital; providing a lifeline to people affected by meningitis in the UK; people who would otherwise be suffering in silence.

And with the country in the middle of a ‘credit crunch’, staying in is the new going out; so there really is no better time to take a break for charity. Coffee Break is an annual fundraising event run by the Trust and is one of the simplest to arrange; just gather some people, have some fun and charge a fee for every tea, coffee, biscuit, cake or sandwich consumed - easy!

There’s still time to get involved - just call 0845 120 4530 for your free Coffee Break pack, which includes invitations, posters, balloons and a money box. So turn ‘credit crunch’ into ‘credit munch’ and have some fun this March, knowing that your efforts will make a big difference to the thousands of people who are living with the impact of meningitis in the UK right now. For more information visit www.meningitis-trust.org/coffeebreak.

Have a great time!

JULIE HESMONDHALGH

(Hayley Cropper in Coronation Street)

Meningitis Trust Ambassador