Meningitis march

The charity's Bordering on a Vaccine trek will cover 201 miles across Northern Ireland to raise funds towards vaccine research.

People from across the country are being urged to join the walk at any time and for any distance, to help turn miles into money and save thousands of lives in the future.

It starts in Londonderry on May 29 when the first leg stretches 18 miles to Limavady.

And Killaloo teenager Gemma Crawford who was unable to walk a year ago after being struck down by the killer brain bug over Christmas is back on board again this year.

Thankfully she was able to make a full recovery and gradually built her strength up enough to take part in Meningitis UK's walk last year with 12 friends and family.

Gemma, an 18-year-old student at Lisneal College, 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 and hope to do a full 18 miles this time. I know others haven't made such a good recovery which is why I want to help fund vaccine research."

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.

Emma, 30, whose new baby girl Amy will be at the launch, said: "After our own experiences we realise just how important it is to find a vaccine to eradicate the disease.

"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."

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

Steve Dayman, the founder 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.

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.

To take part contact Laura Murray on 0117 373 73 73, email [email protected] or visit www.meningitisuk.org.