Coleraine school girl launches annual walk

Louise, 12, lost both of her legs and an arm to the deadly disease when she was two and has since proved to be an inspirational figure, determined to take part in Meningitis UK's walks across the country.

The youngster urged people to step up to the challenge by taking part in the charity's Bordering on a Vaccine Walk, which passes 23 miles from Limavady via Coleraine to Portrush on Sunday, May 30.

All the money raised going towards the charity's vital research to help find a vaccine to eradicate the disease.

Louise was struck down by meningococcal septicaemia 10 years ago, when doctors warned her parents Gwen and Ray that she might not pull through.

Gwen said: "By the time meningitis had been diagnosed, meningococcal septicaemia – a form of blood poisoning – had caused irreversible damage. The only way to save her was to amputate her limbs.

"Doctors warned us that she still might not pull through. But she battled back and has never ceased to amaze us.

"She loves going on the walks and helping to fundraise. We do have to use her wheelchair sometimes but she's always determined to walk part of the way without any help."

Fundraising for Meningitis UK is not Louise's only achievement as she's just been awarded the Blue Peter Gold Award in recognition of being a true inspiration to everyone she meets.

The Year 9 pupil said: "Taking part in the walk is not only important to raise awareness but also to raise money to help find a vaccine and stop people from falling ill in the future.

"The walk's always fun and it would be great for as many local people as possible to take part."

Anyone can join the walk, which passes from Derry to Limavady, Portrush, Ballyvoy, Carnlough, Larne, Carrickfergus, Belfast, Newtownards, Strangford, Newcastle and Rostrevor, at any time and walk for any distance.

Steve Dayman, the Chief Executive of Meningitis UK, who lost his son Spencer to meningitis and meningococcal septicaemia in 1982, will be walking the entire 201 mile route from May 29 to June 6.

To date, he has walked over 11,000 miles in memory of his son – the equivalent of almost halfway round the world.

Steve said: "Last year we raised a staggering 38,000 and I was joined by over 100 supporters. We're determined to beat that fantastic total, even in the current financial climate.

"The Bordering on a Vaccine walk is an event that our supporters look forward to each year and that encourages me to keep going. People in Northern Ireland are always so supportive and I hope this year will be just as successful.

"People can walk for as little or as long as they want, starting and finishing anywhere along the route. Their support will enable us to make a significant contribution to vaccine development, so please come and join us for any stage of this picturesque journey."

Money raised will support its Search 4 a Vaccine Campaign, which aims to raise 7million to fund vital research into developing a vaccine against Meningitis B - the most common form of meningitis in the UK.

Everyone who takes part will receive a free commemorative t-shirt, an information pack including handy tips on how to prepare for the event and raise money, sponsorship forms and support from the charity's fundraising team.

If you would like to take part in Meningitis UK's 2010 Bordering on a Vaccine Spring Walk, please contact Laura Murray on 0117 373 73 73, email [email protected] or visit www.meningitisuk.org