Last Meningitis march from city

The nine day Bordering on a Vaccine walk will be Meningitis UK’s last long-distance event around the picturesque coast of Northern Ireland, beginning in the city and finishing in Rostrevor.

The fundraising event over recent years has been supported by Tullyally mother Emma Cowey who experienced every parent’s nightmare when nine month old Jamie contracted the deadly illness in 2004.

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

The charity’s chief executive Steve Dayman has now completed 30 marathon walks, including 10 in Northern Ireland.

After covering some 12,000 miles and raising over £1.8million, Steve is calling it a day and hopes for good local support as he completes his final trek across the country.

The latest fundraising walk gets underway on Saturday, May 28 and then winds 201 miles before finishing in Rostrevor on Sunday, June 5.

Every year, many of Meningitis UK’s supporters join in at various locations along the walk route.

The charity is looking for local walkers to support the first leg, which is an 18-mile stretch from the Guildhall to Limavady.

The aim is to raise £50,000 in total with all money raised going towards the charity’s vaccine research work to eradicate deadly brain bug meningitis.

Steve, who lost his son Spencer to the disease in 1982 and was recently awarded an MBE for his service to healthcare, said: “Last year we raised a staggering £40,000 and I was joined by over 100 supporters. We’re determined to beat that fantastic total, even in the current financial climate.

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

“Just one mile would make a difference. People can also support us by sponsoring friends or making a donation.

“We’ve always been well supported by people in Northern Ireland but I’m not getting any younger so this will unfortunately be the last Bordering on a Vaccine Walk.

“Sadly, walking 12,000 miles takes its toll and it’s time that my head ruled my heart.

“We will be introducing new events in Northern Ireland to make up for not doing the marathon walks.”

Anyone can join the walk at any time and for any distance, say the organisers, starting in Londonderry and passing through Limavady, Portrush, Ballyvoy, Carnlough, Larne, Carrickfergus, Belfast, Newtownards, Strangford, Newcastle and Rostrevor.

See the Meningitis UK website for details of the route, which has been mapped online.

Everyone who takes part in the walk 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 Bordering on a Vaccine Walk, please call community fundraiser Emily Mitchard on 0117 373 73 73.

Altarnatively, you can also email [email protected] or visit the website www.meningitisuk.org