Sir.–We are writing to say thankyou to everyone from Hampshire, who supported the Meningitis Trust during 2012.

It's only with the help of local communities that we are able to continue our vital work, helping to rebuild lives shattered by meningitis and to save lives through awareness.

Meningitis can strike anyone, of any age, at any time. Those who survive can be left with devastating after-effects, including loss of hearing and sight, brain damage and, where septicaemia (blood poisoning) has occurred, loss of limbs. These after-effects can last a lifetime and have a huge impact on all aspects of daily life for family, friends and colleagues, as well as for the individual affected.

At the trust, we're dedicated to helping people who experienced meningitis to rebuild their lives.

We rely entirely on voluntary donations, which means support from individuals, schools and businesses is fundamental.

We need £8,000 a day, or £5 every minute, to keep our lifeline open. Our free 24-hour helpline is open 365 days a year, so readers can call on 0808 80 10 388 or can visit meningitis-trust.org.

–Sonja Butler and Tash Hodges, Meningitis Trust, South and South East.