Auction results speak volumes in fight against meningitis

An auction of books left in a legacy has raised over £1,000 to help fight meningitis.

The money will be used to support charity Meningitis Now’s work to defeat meningitis in the UK within a generation.

Trevor Reid, the charity’s Director of Fundraising and Communications, said: “There was nothing particularly remarkable about this collection of books – it was just the random selection each and every one of us might have on our bookshelves at home.

“It is a powerful reminder though that even those who might not be able to support our lifesaving and life-changing work with a cash legacy gift, particularly in these cash straitened times, can still make a difference to our work fighting meningitis.

“A gift of household items, be it books, a painting, ceramics, or other everyday objects, can be just as significant.

“As the many antique programmes we enjoy on our television screens every week demonstrate time and again, any of these may have greater value than is at first realised.”

Trevor continued: “It’s lovely to be able to celebrate gifts to our charity, large and small, and there’s always a story behind every donation.

“And all these gifts mount up and can help us to be here not just today but for future generations affected by meningitis.”

Although most of the books put up for auction raised a small amount, one lot, a collection of JRR Tolkien books, including old editions of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, raised nearly £500.

Trevor added: “They were in far from pristine condition and nor were they first editions, but they clearly had more than just sentimental value to the person who kindly left them to us, as well as the person who bid generously to buy them at auction.”

Gifts in Wills from supporters are a vital way to help Meningitis Now fulfil its vision of a future where no-one in the UK loses their life to meningitis and everyone affected gets the support they need to rebuild their lives.

If you’d like to leave a gift in your will to Meningitis Now or make a donation please see the website https://www.meningitisnow.org/support-us/donate/ways-you-can-donate/

Meningitis Now recommends people consult a solicitor before making or changing a will.