Film director steps out for Meningitis UK
15.06.10
LEGENDARY film director Ken Loach will be taking part in this Saturday's Summer Stroll to raise money for Meningitis UK.
The esteemed film-maker, who lives in Bath, knows first-hand how devastating the disease can be after it left his granddaughter Holly fighting for her life at just 13-months-old.
She was left profoundly deaf and was lucky to survive after being diagnosed with pneumococcal meningitis in 2000.
Now, aged 11, Holly has cochlear implants to provide her with a sense of sound and the youngster has astounded experts to become a talented musician.
Ken, fresh from the Cannes Film Festival, says his family's experiences led to them supporting Bristol-based Meningitis UK, which funds vaccine research to eradicate the disease.
The 74-year-old said: "We know from personal experience what a devastating illness meningitis can be. Holly's a terrific little girl and we're all very proud of her but she has many more hurdles to jump in her life as a result of the disease.
"It's very important to make people aware of meningitis and also to research how it can be prevented so that precious lives are saved in the future.
"In the absence of government funding it's very important that Meningitis UK should be supported through events like the Summer Stroll."
Ken and his wife Lesley will be joined by over 150 walkers for the popular Summer Stroll, which follows a new and improved scenic 13 mile route through Bristol's beautiful countryside and historic landmarks.
Bristol Rovers' director Geoff Dunford will also be striding out alongside radio personalities Kate and Jed Pitman.
The walk begins at 9am with breakfast outside the Lock Keeper pub in Keynsham, before following the canal through the Avon Valley Woodlands Nature Reserve to College Green in Bristol city centre where walkers will be provided with a well-earned lunch.
The walk continues up Park Street to the historic Clifton Village and crosses over the suspension bridge before finishing at Ashton Gate stadium at around 5pm.
Organiser Paul Hobbs is aiming to raise a record £30,000 to take his total to £100,000 raised over the last five years for Meningitis UK.
He said: "The weather forecast is in our favour so we're confident that it will be a fantastic day.
"A lot of work has gone into this year's Stroll, which has a new and improved route to suit all ages and abilities.
"There's still time to sign up and lend your support to such a fantastic cause whilst enjoying what promises to be a great occasion."
People are welcome to join for the first 8.5 mile stretch between Keynsham and College Green, the final 4.5 miles between College Green and Ashton Gate, or the full 13 miles.
Roman Glass is the main sponsor, with DAS, Mercedes Benz of Bath and Bristol, and Wiltshire Farm Foods the associate sponsors.
To secure their place, adults need to pay an entry fee of £10, or £5 for children, and in return walkers will receive breakfast, lunch, a goody bag and a ticket for an after party, which has been organised at the Tobacco Factory for August 12, where there will be an auction, raffle and entertainment.
To join in the Summer Stroll, or for more information, call Laura Bullock on 0117 373 7373, e-mail laurabullock@meningitisUK.org or visit www.meningitisuk.org/summerstroll
MeningitisUK · Registered Charity No.1076774
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