Despite this weekend’s undoubtedly tough match against flag-favourites Hawthorn fast approaching, Adam Selwood is still able to extend his focus beyond the game and is encouraging fans to support World Meningitis Day at this Saturday’s game.

The West Coast star defender is urging supporters to join hands for meningitis at half-time during this week’s clash with the Hawks.

“I contracted meningitis when I was two, but because of the quick actions of my parents and my doctor, I was fortunate enough to make a full recovery,” Selwood said.

“Some people aren’t as lucky. For World Meningitis Day, the Meningitis Centre has produced a video to help create awareness, which features a young lady Ashleigh who was diagnosed at six months old. As a result, Ashleigh now has cerebral palsy, epilepsy, is profoundly deaf, has never walked or talked and will rely on her family for day to day care for the rest of her life.

“It’s important that people are aware of the disease and know the signs and symptoms, and that’s what this Saturday is all about, creating awareness,” Selwood explained.

Click here to view the video.

Meningitis is a potentially deadly inflammation of the brain and spinal fluid that can be caused by a bacteria or a virus. Meningitis can kill within 24 hours, so urgent treatment is critical and can be the difference between life, permanent disability and death.

“To help create awareness, when we come back on to the ground after the half-time break on Saturday, the AFL Auskick kids will be forming a guard of honour for us by joining hands for meningitis,” Selwood added.

“We want the crowd to do the same, and for everyone at Patersons Stadium to join hands for meningitis. The West Coast Eagles have joined the Meningitis Centre in a global effort to have one million people worldwide join hands against meningitis, and we hope that our members and fans will help us reach it.”

You can join Adam and show your support for meningitis awareness by visiting the Meningitis Centre website and ‘joining hands’ in an online global virtual community to help raise the global profile of meningitis this World Meningitis Day.

For more information about meningitis and to learn the signs and symptoms, visit the Meningitis Centre website.