Oxford News
Henley MP calls for vaccine roll-out after meningitis death
Lewis Waters, who attended Henley College in Oxfordshire, was one of three students who caught meningitis in an outbreak in Reading.
It was confirmed on Thursday that the college student died from the disease, with a tribute from his father, Sean Waters, saying: “Words simply can’t describe the heartbreak and upset we’re going through.”
READ MORE: Meningitis death student identified as father pays tribute
On Friday it emerged that the other two patients being treated for meningitis are pupils at separate schools in the area – Reading Blue Coat School and Highdown Secondary School and Sixth Form Centre.
The UKHSA said close contacts have been offered antibiotics as a precaution.
A statement from Henley College said its “thoughts and sincere condolences are with the student’s family and friends at this extremely difficult time”.
“We are supporting those affected within our college community and are following the advice and guidance given by the UK Health Security Agency,” it added.
The menB vaccine has been offered routinely to babies as part of the NHS childhood vaccination programme since 2015, but anyone born before then will not be protected.
Now, Freddie van Mierlo, Liberal Democrat MP for Henley and Thame, is calling on the Government to explore the possibility of a wider catch-up vaccination programme.
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He told the Press Association: “Naturally, there’s worry in the community given what happened in Kent very recently, but as of yet, all the advice from the medical authorities is that this is contained, and that we should continue as normal, and so people are continuing about as normal as they should.
“I think what we need to now look at, given what happened in Kent, and now here in Henley, is a wider catch-up vaccination programme.
“We have a cohort of young, young adults at university and at colleges like this who’ve never been vaccinated against meningitis B, who I think now need to be protected. That’s very clear.
“So, what I’m asking the Government to do is look at procuring a large number of vaccines and rolling that out as soon as possible.”
Dr Rachel Mearkle, consultant in health protection at the UKHSA, said: “We understand that many people will be affected by this sad news and would like to offer our condolences to the friends and family of this student.
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“Students and staff will naturally be feeling worried about the likelihood of further cases, however meningococcal meningitis requires very close contact to spread and large outbreaks, as we saw in Kent recently, are thankfully rare.”
The agency also confirmed that tests show the infection is not the same strain of meningitis B linked to a fatal outbreak in Kent in March.
The UKHSA said that information has been shared with the parents and students at all affected schools about the signs of meningitis.
Nearly £38,000 has been donated to Katharine House Hospice in north Oxfordshire over the past 18 months, thanks to recycled metals from cremations at North Oxfordshire Crematorium.
The scheme is part of the Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management (ICCM) Metals Recycling Scheme, which recycles metals with family consent and donates proceeds to charity.
Vanessa Moor, site manager at North Oxfordshire Crematorium, said: “We are incredibly proud to support Katharine House Hospice through our ICCM charity partnership, recognising it as our essential local charity.
“Many people don’t realise that, with a family’s permission, metals recovered following cremation can be recycled to benefit charities supporting local communities.”
The most recent donation of £17,000 brings the total raised for the hospice to £37,982.
Ms Moor said families frequently speak highly of the care and support they have received from Katharine House.
The partnership extends beyond fundraising, with crematorium staff volunteering at the hospice’s events.
Sue Blank, corporate engagement officer at Katharine House Hospice, said: “We are thrilled to have Memoria’s continued support.
“The team at the North Oxfordshire site are a pleasure to work with and are always keen to support the hospice in any way they can, whether through volunteering, raising awareness of our work or through this fantastic recycling scheme.”
Waylands Volvo Oxford, based on Cumnor Hill, is inviting drivers to test drive the new Volvo EX60 during an exclusive event from August 21-23.
Recently named the UK’s most exciting upcoming new car at the What Car? Awards, the fully electric SUV combines Scandinavian design with advanced technology and sustainability.
Simon Bishop, general manager at Waylands Volvo Oxford, said: “We’re delighted to welcome local drivers for an exclusive first look at the new Volvo EX60 here in Oxford.
“This weekend long event is designed to be much more than a standard test drive, giving customers the chance to experience the technology that makes the EX60 so special.
“Whether it’s trying the latest safety features, seeing how straightforward fast charging can be or exploring the capabilities of Google Gemini, we want every visitor to leave feeling excited and confident about driving electric.”
The Volvo EX60 P12 AWD model offers a range of up to 503 miles on a single charge – the longest of any Volvo to date.
It can charge from 10 to 80 per cent in as little as 16 minutes.
Inside, the SUV features a spacious, premium cabin with a dashboard-mounted speaker and four contemporary interiors, all crafted from renewable and recycled materials.
Test drives will be guided by a Volvo specialist, who will demonstrate features such as the 360-degree camera, parking sensors, and driver assistance systems.
Dr Akash Srinivasan will take on the 13.1-mile challenge in support of Lost Chord UK, a charity that delivers interactive music experiences for people living with dementia.
Lost Chord UK has just five charity places available for the 2027 race and is inviting four more runners to join Dr Srinivasan on the start line.
Dr Srinivasan, who regularly cares for patients with dementia, said: “As a doctor, I regularly meet people living with dementia and see the impact it has on their lives and their loved ones.
“I’ve also been a musician since I was young, playing both the violin and flute, so I’ve always believed music has an extraordinary effect on the mind.”
He was further inspired after reading Musicophilia, the book by Oliver Sacks.
Dr Srinivasan said he discovered Lost Chord UK and the work they do supporting people through live interactive music, and knew it was a charity he wanted to support.
He added: “Running the London Landmarks Half Marathon felt like a meaningful way to bring those two worlds together.”
Lost Chord UK supports more than 9,000 people and families each year through professional live interactive music sessions in care homes, hospitals, hospices and community settings across England and Wales.
Jean Collingwood, chief executive of Lost Chord UK, said Dr Srinivasan’s motivation captures the essence of the charity’s mission.
Ms Collingwood said: “When Akash applied, his words stayed with us because they brought together two things we see every day – medicine helps people live longer, but music helps people live well.”
She explained the broader impact of their work and the importance of community support.
Ms Collingwood added: “Every week our musicians witness extraordinary moments – someone who hasn’t spoken begins to sing, a husband and wife share a dance, a son hears his mum laugh again, a family catches a glimpse of the person they know and love.
“That’s why we’re inviting four more people to join Team Lost Chord UK.”
The London Landmarks Half Marathon takes place next on Sunday, April 4, 2027.
The route takes runners past iconic sites including Big Ben, the London Eye, and Tower Bridge.
Those who join Team Lost Chord UK are asked to raise a minimum of £350 and pay a £30 registration fee.
Each runner will receive a charity running top and full fundraising support.
To apply, visit lost-chord.org.uk/london-landmark-half-marathon-2027.
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