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Peddling through wind and rain for vaccine

19.07.11

TWO brave Bristol fundraisers battled relentless high winds and sideways rain to cycle 56 miles for meningitis vaccine research.

Laura Bullock, 27 and Toya Champ, 25, felt so inspired by the Meningitis UK supporters they work with everyday that they were determined to complete the Great Weston Ride on Sunday.

Laura said: "After the first 40 miles, it was a real struggle, the wind was so powerful that it made you feel like you were peddling uphill even when you weren't.

"I started at about 8am and finished at about 3.30pm and it was really hard, but the thought of all the amazing people who support Meningitis UK spurred me on to keep on peddling.

"It was a great day and there was such a good atmosphere. I feel really proud of this achievement."

So far, Laura has raised about £100 and is still collecting funds from the ride which set off from the Long Ashton Park and Ride and finished on Weston seafront.

All the money Toya collects from the ride will go towards the challenge of a lifetime when she treks to the top of the highest point in Africa – Mount Kilimanjaro for Meningitis UK in January 2012.

Toya said: "We wanted to do this ride to show support to our many supporters, many of whom have tragically lost loved ones to this disease or who have battled to survive meningitis. It was a really well-organised event. Although it was hard going, it was really worthwhile."

Both fundraisers put in hours of practice in preparation for the big day.

Toya added: "We cycled on Sunday to fund vaccine research. Meningitis does not discriminate, it can affect anyone and I am reminded of the devastation of this disease every day at work, which is what inspired me take on this challenge.

"I want to thank people who have supported us to do this ride for Meningitis UK - a charity which is fighting to stamp out this disease completely."

All the money raised from Toya and Laura's cycle ride will go towards Meningitis UK's Search 4 a Vaccine Campaign. It aims to raise £7million to fund vital research into developing a vaccine to protect against all forms of meningitis.

Successful vaccines exist against some forms of meningitis, including Hib, Meningitis C and pneumococcal meningitis but there is still no vaccine to protect against all forms of meningitis, including Meningitis B, which is the most common form in this country.

Steve Dayman, who founded Meningitis UK after his son Spencer died from the disease, said: "We are all proud of Laura and Toya - especially as the weather made a tough challenge even more gruelling.

"Here at Meningitis UK, their work as fundraisers brings them into contact with our supporters everyday and they see the pain and suffering this disease can cause people.

"Our ultimate goal is to spare people the heartache of losing a loved one to the disease. Every penny raised through the cycle ride will go towards our single focus – to find a vaccine to eradicate meningitis."

Laura organised Meningitis UK's annual Summer Stroll from Keynsham to Ashton Gate in June which saw around 200 supporters raise more than £15,000 towards vaccine research.

Many of the walkers will be at the charity's annual summer party at the Tobacco Factory in Bristol on Thursday August 18. All are invited to this free event with live entertainment and fun activities for all the family. Contact emilymitchard@meningitisUK.org to book tickets.

For more information about Meningitis UK, or to make a donation towards the cycle ride, please call 0117 373 7373 or visit www.meningitisUK.org.