In Memory of Paawan

Mum and daughter climb Kilimanjaro to raise money for Meningitis research

Mum and daughter, Ragubir and Parveen Hargun from Southall, joined a special team of seven people all with personal experiences of meningitis or septicaemia, to climb Africa’s highest mountain and to raise funds for Meningitis Research Foundation (MRF).   

Ragubir, 53, and Parveen, 27, took on the challenge in memory of their niece and cousin, Paawan Purba who died at the age of 20 in August 2016 from meningococcal meningitis,

Paawan Purba who died from meningococcal meningitis,

Parveen said, “Meningitis is a disease that can break hearts within a matter of hours. We never thought we would have to say goodbye to someone we imagined being part of every family event, every memory, every precious moment in our lives.

“Paawan was a vibrant, larger than life character who brought joy and giggles to everyone who knew her. Her laugh was infectious and there was never a day that you didn't see her smiling. We hope our fundraising will help mean that no other family has to endure the heartbreak of losing someone so dear, and that our loss can be used to raise awareness of the symptoms of meningitis and the vaccines that can prevent it. This is what she would have wanted.”

“Trekking up Kilimanjaro was incredibly hard work, but it was the most amazing experience and we are proud of our achievement. Without the trust, truthfulness, and caring for one another each step day by day the journey to reach the highest point of Africa and conquering Mount Kilimanjaro would not have been possible. I can honestly say the hardest journey of my whole life was made by our incredible team. We all came together due to one horrible disease which affected us personally and has now created one of my greatest life achievements. I would like to thank each and every one of you for being the most supportive, strong and kind people giving me the strength to carry on every day even with knowing the struggle my mum was going through to try and complete this. Without your positivity I would never have reached the peak and conquered Mount Kilimanjaro and we will now continue to try and conquer meningitis.”

On this seven day adventure, the group trekked through tropical rainforests, ascending through cloud level and finally reaching their ultimate goal - Uhuru the 5,895m high ice-capped peak of Kilimanjaro, on Saturday 28 October.

The group climbed together for a world free from meningitis and septicaemia; a shared objective leading to the ultimate personal achievement, conquering one of the seven wonders of the natural world.

Ragubir and Parveen have raised over £5,000 and they hope to hit their target of £8,700. Donations can still be accepted.

Rob Dawson, Head of Support at MRF said, “We are extremely grateful to Ragubir and Parveen and everyone who took part in this tough challenge. The funds that they have raised will help us enormously in our research, awareness and support programmes to ensure that other families don’t have to go through what Paawan’s has as a result of meningitis and septicaemia.”   

MRF warns that cases of meningitis and septicaemia are expected to rise over the winter period, and people should be especially aware of the symptoms at this time.

Check you know the symptoms at www.meningitis.org. 

November 15 2017