Cowey family to back vaccine drive in memory of Jamie

Over 50 people will be taking part in the first leg of Meningitis UK's Bordering on a Vaccine Walk to raise funds towards its life-saving research.

Saturday's stretch spans 18 miles between Londonderry and Limavady, with the walk continuing for a total of nine days and 201 miles across Northern Ireland.

Emma and Darren Cowey, from Tullyally, have taken part in the walk every year since their son Jamie died in 2004, aged just nine-months-old.

He succumbed to the killer disease at the Royal Victoria Hospital on Halloween, less than 24 hours after the first symptoms developed.

Since his death, family and friends have rallied round to raise almost 12,000 in his memory.

They've gathered together 30 of their friends and family for the walk on Saturday.

Emma, 30, whose children Amy and Jack will also be taking part, said: "The walk's always a good occasion and gives us the opportunity to do something positive in Jamie's memory.

"Jamie's death was like a bolt out of the blue, so we're doing our upmost to raise as much money as possible to spare other families the heartache we've been through."

Killaloo teenager Gemma Crawford is also taking part for the second time, which is a miracle in itself after she almost died from the brain bug in December 2008.

She was left unable to walk but thankfully made a full recovery and gradually built her strength up enough to take part in the walk.

Gemma, an 18-year-old student at Lisneal College, is being joined by 16 friends and family.

She said: "I spent 11 days in hospital, barely even able to move the left side of my body.

"When I first heard about the walk I thought there was no chance of me taking part. I was at home using a zimmer frame and wheelchair at the time, having just come out of hospital.

"I felt incredibly lucky to be able to take part last year and managed six or seven miles.

"I definitely aim to do further this time. I know others haven't made such a good recovery which is why I want to help fund vaccine research."

The walk begins in Derry and goes through Limavady, Portrush, Ballyvoy, Carnlough, Larne, Carrickfergus, Belfast, Newtownards, Strangford and Newcastle before finishing 201 miles later in Rostrevor on June 6.

Wallet-sized symptoms cards will be handed out to help raise awareness of the disease and the need to act quickly, which can mean the difference between life and death.

Steve Dayman, the founder of Meningitis UK, who lost his son Spencer to meningitis and meningococcal septicaemia in 1982, will be walking the entire route.

On Sunday, Steve will celebrate walking his 12,000th mile - 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.

"In addition to raising money towards our vital vaccine research work, we're hoping to raise valuable awareness.

"There have been a number of tragic meningitis cases in Northern Ireland this year and we're determined to alert as many people as possible to the symptoms."

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.

Meningitis is an inflammation of the lining that covers the brain and spinal cord.

Meningococcal septicaemia occurs when poisons caused by the meningococcal bacteria enter the blood stream.

It can kill in under four hours, which is why finding a vaccine is so imperative. It is a notoriously difficult disease to diagnose, as in the early stages, symptoms can appear flu-like.

To make a donation towards Meningitis UK's Bordering on a Vaccine walk, or for more information on the Search 4 a Vaccine Campaign, call 0117 373 73 73 or visit www.meningitisuk.org