Walk to boost funds for meningitis

7:09am Saturday 28th June 2008

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THE Meningitis Trust is appealing for walkers of all ages and abilities in the West Midlands area to join in with its national Walk in the Park month during September. The sponsored walks are suitable for all ages and abilities.

The West Midlands Walk in the Park will start and finish at Sandwell Park Farm within the Sandwell Valley Country Park, at 9.30am on Sunday, September 7.

Walk in the Park is an annual series of walks that takes place all over the UK, every September. From Belfast to Suffolk, this year people will be donning their boots for a stroll out in the park to raise funds for the Trust.

As well as getting the family sponsored to do it, dogs (on leads) can also join in and be sponsored as well. It couldn't be easier to raise the vital funds for the charity, which helps anyone whose life has been turned upside down by meningitis.

David Wood, event co-ordinator said: "The services, support and education provided by the Meningitis Trust are a lifeline for people in the UK whose lives have been touched by meningitis. We are completely reliant on voluntary donations to continue our work, so join us for a great day out - and help us help others at the same time. If there isn't a walk near you, why not organise your own? Whether you want to be sponsored for a walk, or want to organise an event, we'll support you every step of the way."

The Meningitis Trust is dedicated to providing practical and emotional support to anyone affected by the disease. Every year it helps around 20,000 people through its range of professional support services; including counselling, 24-hour freephone helpline, one-to-one contacts, financial support grants and home visits. It is also committed to raising awareness of meningitis and its signs and symptoms by producing and distributing millions of pieces of information material for free.

It is, however, reliant on voluntary donations to continue its work. With as many as 500,000 people living in the UK who have had either viral or bacterial meningitis and up to one adult in every four knowing someone who has had meningitis, the charity's ongoing work is much-needed.

To register visit: http://www.meningitis-trust.org/walking/documents/walkintheparkbooklet.pdf complete the form and post it along with your registration fee (£6/adult, £4/child, dogs free) to the freepost address given. We'll then send you your pack with sponsorship forms, stickers, venue details and free T-shirt/s.

For more information call us on 0845 120 4530 or email walkinthepark@meningitis-trust.org