Coast to Coast trek for vital vaccine research
A NORTON man has completed a life-long ambition to trek the 190-mile Wainwright's Coast to Coast walk to raise vital funds for a meningitis charity.
Mechanical engineer, Steve Warnes, 60, from Stockton-on-Tees lost his right arm in an industrial accident in 1979 and has always been moved by meningitis survivors who lost limbs.
After 12 days walking from St Bees on the West coast, Cumbria to Robin Hood's Bay in Yorkshire, Mr Warnes is on track to raise £1,000 for Meningitis UK.
He said: "I'd always had in mind to do the Coast to Coast before I got much older and when I was made redundant last year I decided to go for it.
"When I saw children on the television or in the newspapers who'd lost limbs to meningitis, it always gave me a lump in my throat.
"Those who survive the worst form of the disease are often left with horrific disabilities, usually the loss of part of, the whole of, or more than one limb.
"As an amputee myself, I know only to well what they will have to endure for the rest of their lives and the sooner this disease is stamped out the better.
"That is why I wanted to raise money for Meningitis UK as they are looking for a vaccine to eradicate the devastating disease.
"The walk was great and it gave me a fantastic sense of achievement."
Mr Warnes battled the discomfort of blisters and sideways hail at the highest point of the walk, 2560 feet above sea level at Kidsty Pike in the Lake District.
The grandfather of two made it home on June 16 to his wife Dianne with whom he will be celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary next year.
Steve, vice president of Northern Football League side Norton and Stockton Ancients FC, was delighted when league chairman and Northern Echo reporter, Mike Amos, suggested the committee donated £300 towards his walk.
One of the most memorable parts of the trek was during horrendous wet weather.
"I was leading a group of walkers at the highest point of the walk. The hail was coming in sideways and visibility was poor. When suddenly the rain stopped and the cloud cleared.
"It was a special moment – we could see for miles and miles and I was able to find the cairn that marks the highest point."
Steve Dayman, who founded Meningitis UK after his son Spencer died from the disease, said: "Walking 190 miles in 12 days is no mean feat. It's really been heartening to see how much everyone's rallied round to support him on his walk.
"Every penny Steve has raised will go towards our single focus of finding a vaccine to save thousands of lives in the future."
MeningitisUK · Registered Charity No.1076774
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