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Paul helps strollers walk their way to £21,000

07.01.11

AN ARMY of walkers raised an incredible £21,000 for Meningitis UK in the charity's annual Summer Stroll.

The final pennies have been counted from the June 19 fundraising event and the cheque presented to the Bristol-based charity by organiser Paul Hobbs.

Thanks to continued support from the public, Paul has now raised a total of £92,000 through the walk in the last five years.

Although last summer's event will be his last, Paul said it was a huge success due to the new scenic route from Keynsham to Bristol which attracted 175 walkers.

Paul, from Weston-super-Mare, said: "It went very well and everyone enjoyed themselves. The walk really was a pleasure and we managed to raise a huge amount of money again thanks to everyone's efforts.

"It's been five fantastic years and I've enjoyed every minute of it. I'm sure the event will continue to grow in the future and I hope people will continue to support it.

"All the money is going towards such a good cause and £100,000 would allow huge strides forward in vaccine research."

Film director Ken Loach, from Bath, stepped out with his wife Lesley for the first part of the walk and over 40 of the walkers were raising money in memory of Bristol toddler Ryan Johnson, who died from meningitis in April aged just three.

The family-friendly 13 mile walk began with breakfast at 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 enjoyed a well-earned lunch.

The walk continued up Park Street to the historic Clifton Village and crossed over the suspension bridge before finishing at Ashton Gate stadium.

All money raised will go towards Meningitis UK's Search 4 a Vaccine Campaign, which aims to raise £7million to help fund cutting-edge research to help find a vaccine to eradicate all forms of meningitis and save thousands of lives in the future.

Laura Bullock, from Meningitis UK, said: "A big thank you to everyone who joined us on the walk.

"We were delighted to have raised such a significant amount of money again.

"It's all thanks to our loyal supporters and sponsors, who were so enthusiastic and made a real effort.

"Every penny raised is so important in enabling us to continue our vital work and will take us one step closer to finding a vaccine and saving lives."

Roman Glass was the main sponsor, with DAS, Mercedes Benz of Bath and Bristol. Wiltshire Farm Foods and Easy Runner also lent their support.

To support the Search 4 a Vaccine Campaign, or for more information on meningitis, call 0117 373 73 73 or visit www.meningitisuk.org.

• Next year's Summer Stroll will be on June 18.