Join Meningitis Now Five Valleys Walk
By David Wood | 27th September 2024
Leading meningitis charity, Meningitis Now, whose head office is based in Stroud, is inviting everyone to sign up for their Five Valleys Walk through the Cotswold countryside on Sunday (September 29).
The money raised will help those impacted by the disease and raise awareness.
Early bird tickets are now on sale for the event. Walkers can buy their tickets from Meningitis Now's website.
Gemma's daughter Bella contracted meningitis at just four months old, resulting in hearing loss and an acquired brain injury (ABI). Even as a health professional, Gemma didn't pick up on meningitis straight away, believing Bella may have been teething. It was only when her cry changed and symptoms became worse that Gemma knew something wasn't right.
Gemma is now an advocate for raising funds and awareness of the signs and symptoms of meningitis through events like the Five Valleys Walk, as recognising something wasn't right and taking Bella to hospital helped save Bella's life.
For the past three years Gemma has completed the walk with a now 18-year-old Bella and she wants to encourage others to take on the walk too.
Gemma said: "We do the walk mainly because it's a great day out, you get to meet so many different people. We've done it with friends and done it together each year.
"But it's a great way to raise funds and awareness too. Knowing the signs and symptoms of meningitis could save someone else's life, and the more people that join the walk, the more people that hear the message and learn what to look out for."
The walk is also a great space for those who have been directly or indirectly affected by meningitis to feel part of a community.
Bella explained: "The Five Valleys Walk is so supportive. Lots of people there have had or know someone who has experienced meningitis. They might not have had a brain injury like I have, but they might have lost someone or had hearing loss or lost a limb. It's like a huge family and support system.
"The walk makes me feel almost less alone and it's a way to prove that we can do anything and everything, even though we've been through such traumatic times."
Gemma and Bella would encourage others to join in with this year's Five Valleys Walk.
Gemma said: "I will be thankful for anybody that turns up on that day. It's a great day out for family and friends and, most importantly, all the proceeds go to an amazing charity. So I really do think everybody should do it."
Meningitis Now fundraising officer Kat Hollywell, who's organising this year's walk, said: "We'd love you to join us for the Five Valleys Walk this year. It's our 37th year of staging the event and we want to make this our biggest and best year yet.
"We estimate that each day 22 people get meningitis in the UK. That's why this year we're asking every Five Valleys walker to raise a minimum of £22 in sponsorship, or to donate £22, so that we can ensure everyone affected receives the support they need.
"By joining us for the walk you'll be helping us move ever closer to our goal of beating meningitis in the UK within a generation."
The Five Valleys Walk offers a great day of walking, entertainment and local food. Those taking part can choose how far they want to walk across the eight checkpoints, from 1.5 miles to the full 21-mile route.
There will be a free bus back to their starting point no matter the distance walked.
The charity has organised for local businesses to join it along the route, providing snacks and drinks, and the Meningitis Now team will be ready to welcome walkers at Stroud Cricket Club with live music and hot food.
Kat added: "Because meningitis can affect anyone at any time it's the perfect opportunity for the whole family to do their bit to support people living with the impact of the disease. Please join us if you can.
"We'd also like to say a huge thank you to Stagecoach buses and all the event sponsors, especially Renishaw and Bluestone Insurance Services, for their support of this year's event."
Early bird tickets for the Five Valleys Walk cost £12.50 for an adult and £6.50 for a child. A family ticket (2 adults and 2 children) is £35 and a group ticket (4 adults) is £40.
Meningitis Now is working towards a future where no one in the UK loses their life to meningitis and Meningitis Now has a range of free services to support individuals and their families after meningitis.
Symptoms of meningitis can include a severe headache, a dislike of bright lights, neck stiffness, nausea, vomiting and confusion. The disease can affect anyone of any age. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should seek urgent medical attention.
For further information about meningitis visit this page and if you have been affected by meningitis, contact the Meningitis Now helpline on 0808 80 10 388.
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