THE largest provider of childcare in the UK has announced that it will be supporting charity Meningitis Now throughout 2017.

Meningitis Now has been dedicated to fighting the disease for 30 years and funds vital research into the prevention of meningitis, in order to achieve a future where no one loses their life to the disease.

They are also devoted to supporting families affected by the deadly disease and helps them to rebuild their lives.

The money that Busy Bees raises this year across its 268 UK nurseries will make a substantial contribution to the £3million that Meningitis Now needs to continue its life-saving work.

Steve Dayman, executive founder of Meningitis Now, said: “We are very excited about the prospect of working with Busy Bees and the opportunity it offers to inform staff and parents about the importance of knowing key meningitis signs and symptoms.

“The commitment Busy Bees are making to pilot our Meningitis Awareness Mark programme within their nurseries will act as beacon of excellence for all pre-school groups, across the UK, as it defines a clear standard of meningitis knowledge that will become the mark of assurance for parents entrusting their children in to this type of childcare.

“As a charity, we receive no money from government and can only fund the work we do in research, awareness and supporting people by the generous donations we receive.

“To be nominated as Busy Bees’ charity of the year is a great honour and one that will, through its donations, go a long way in helping achieve these aims.”

Marg Randles, managing director of Busy Bees, said: “We’re committed to supporting a charity that helps families and young people and for us, Meningitis Now is a cause we’re passionate about supporting.

“Members of staff across our 268 nurseries nationwide are preparing a range of exciting fundraising events for our children and parents, which we hope during 2017 will make real difference to children, young people and their families across the UK.”