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Join walk to help beat meningitis

17.03.11

FAMILIES whose lives have been shattered by meningitis have joined forces to help launch Meningitis UK's final walk across Northern Ireland.

The charity's Bordering on a Vaccine trek has been promoted in six towns and cities in the province, with local supporters urging people to put their best foot forward to help beat the disease.

The walk begins in Londonderry on May 28 and covers 201 miles in nine days around Northern Ireland's coastline to raise vital funds towards vaccine research.

It will be the charity's last long-distance event in the country and hopes to raise £50,000.

   

Steve Dayman, the founder of Meningitis UK, who lost his son Spencer to meningitis and meningococcal septicaemia in 1982, will be walking the entire 201 mile route from May 28 to June 5.

He has now completed 30 marathon walks, including 10 in Northern Ireland.

After covering some 12,000 miles and raising over £1.8million, Steve is calling it a day and hopes for good local support as he completes his final trek across the country.

Steve said: "Last year we raised a staggering £40,000 and I was joined by over 100 supporters. We're determined to beat that fantastic total, even in the current financial climate.

"We've always been well supported by people in Northern Ireland but I'm not getting any younger so this will unfortunately be the last Bordering on a Vaccine Walk.

"In addition to raising money towards our vital vaccine research work, we're hoping to raise valuable awareness.

"Just one mile would make a difference and enable us to make a significant contribution to vaccine development, so please come and join us for any stage of this picturesque journey."

Anyone can join the walk at any time and for any distance, starting in Londonderry and passing through Limavady, Portrush, Ballyvoy, Carnlough, Larne, Carrickfergus, Belfast, Newtownards, Strangford, Newcastle and Rostrevor.

See the Meningitis UK website for details of the route, which has been mapped online.

Everyone who takes part in the walk will receive a free commemorative T-shirt, an information pack including handy tips on how to prepare for the event and raise money, sponsorship forms and support from the charity's fundraising team.

If you would like to take part in Meningitis UK's Bordering on a Vaccine Walk, please call community fundraiser Emily Mitchard on 0117 373 73 73, email emilymitchard@meningitisuk.org or visit www.meningitisuk.org