Strollers walk their way to £20,000
21.06.10
- Check out our Summer Stroll photo gallery.
AN IMPRESSIVE £20,000 was raised as walkers wound their way from Keynsham to Bristol on Saturday.
Over 175 people took part in the annual Summer Stroll to raise vital funds for Meningitis UK.
It's hoped this total will be boosted by a celebratory after-party at the Tobacco Factory on August 12 to take organiser Paul Hobbs' total to almost £100,000 raised over five years.
The new and improved scenic 13 mile route has been hailed a success and the charity look set to build on this for next year's event.
Paul said: "It was a fantastic day. The weather was perfect, everyone was in high spirits and, most importantly, we raised a brilliant amount of money for Meningitis UK.
"The new route was really enjoyable and took in some of Bristol's best scenery and landmarks. We're confident that next year's walk will be even bigger and better."
Film director Ken Loach, from Bath, stepped out with his wife Lesley for the first part of the walk.
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.
Around 40 of the walkers were raising money in memory of Bristol toddler Ryan Johnson, who died from meningitis in April aged just three.
His parents Sarah and Tyrone were joined by their three other children, plus dozens of friends and colleagues.
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're 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 were the main sponsors, with DAS, Mercedes Benz of Bath and Bristol. Wiltshire Farm Foods and Easy Runner also lent their support.
The after party is taking place at the Tobacco Factory in Bedminster on August 12, where there will be an auction, raffle and entertainment.
There's still time to make a donation towards the Summer Stroll, which can be done by calling Laura Bullock on 0117 373 7373, or for further information visit www.meningitisuk.org
MeningitisUK · Registered Charity No.1076774
Comments
Comments are temporarily closed for this article