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Reach your peak to conquer meningitis

23.03.11

THE GAUNTLET has been thrown down to brave walkers, challenging them to do something incredible to help save lives from killer disease meningitis.

Two exciting challenge events have been organised by national charity Meningitis UK involving the highest mountains in both Africa and Great Britain.

Both seasoned walkers and brave novices are being urged to sign up for either the Three Peaks Challenge in August or a slightly more awe-inspiring climb up Mount Kilimanjaro in January 2012.

The challenges, called The Big Climb and The Big Trek, promise to push participants to the limit while helping to raise funds towards eradicating the deadly brain bug.

Thousand of people die from the disease each year and taking part in a charity challenge is one of the ways in which people can help raise money towards finding a vaccine.

The Three Peaks Challenge, between August 5 and 7, involves conquering the three highest peaks in the home nations – Ben Nevis in Scotland and Scarfell Pike in England before finishing triumphantly at the top of Mount Snowdon in Wales, all within 24 gruelling hours.

The trip of a lifetime to Mount Kilimanjaro takes place from January 12 to 22 and covers a variety of diverse terrains, from jungle to volcanic craters, en route to the picturesque snow-capped Uhuru peak - the highest point in Africa at 5,895m high.

The charity's events fundraiser Toya Champ said: "We've put a lot of thought into devising these challenges specifically for a team of Meningitis UK supporters.

"People who have completed them in the past say they were the best thing they've ever done - a real once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

"If anyone's thinking about getting fit and doing something positive during the year ahead, then either of these challenges will give you incredible motivation, while also broadening your horizons and raising money for a good cause.

"Here at Meningitis UK we are dedicated to funding vital research into finding a vaccine to eradicate all forms of meningitis, to spare families in the future the heartache and devastation the disease can cause."

For those looking for a less daunting challenge, the charity also organises parachute jumps, abseils and bike rides in addition to its own fundraising events.

All money raised goes towards Meningitis UK's Search 4 a Vaccine Campaign, which aims to raise £7million towards developing a vaccine against all forms of meningitis.

To find out more about Meningitis UK's charity challenges, contact Toya Champ on 0117 302 6191 or by emailing toyachamp@meningitisuk.org. Further details are available online at www.meningitisuk.org