Over 40 supporters step out for the launch of Meningitis UK’s Spring Walk 2007
On Saturday 26th May 2007, Emma and Darren Cowey from Londonderry, who lost their son Jamie to Meningitis, and Louise Greer, from Coleraine, who suffered from the disease when she was two and in her fight for life lost both legs and an arm, will join 30 other walkers and Meningitis UK's Chief Executive to launch the Spring Walk 2007 at The Guild Hall in Londonderry. This 8 day walk will cover 165 miles across Ireland's beautiful countryside and will end in Newry on Saturday 2nd June.
Steve Dayman, Meningitis UK's Chief Executive will walk the entire route and will be joined by over 70 supporters at various stages, many of whom have experienced the devastation that meningitis causes. Together they endeavour to raise £20,000 as well as awareness of the common symptoms of the disease and need to act quickly, which can mean the difference between life and death.
The proceeds of the Spring Walk will go towards supporting Meningitis UK's Search 4 a Vaccine Campaign, which was launched in April this year. The campaign aims to raise £7 million over the next seven years to help fund vital research to develop a vaccine against meningococcal Group B - the most common form of meningitis in the UK, which accounts for almost 90% of all cases and for which there is currently no vaccine.
Emma and Darren Cowey from Londonderry, who will be walking the full 18 miles on Saturday, lost their 9-month-old son Jamie in November 2004 to meningitis. Darren said "The consequences of meningitis are heartbreaking and we must find a vaccine to stop the suffering it causes and save innocent lives. If this vaccine had been developed our son would be with us today."
Louise's mother Gwen Greer said "Little Louise was suffering from flu-like symptoms, but suddenly went into convulsions. I panicked and rushed her to hospital. Staff knew what was wrong as soon as I got there. They didn't think Louise would make it, but Doctors battled as best they could to save her. Knowing the symptoms does save lives, but most importantly we need this vaccine to eradicate the disease completely."
MeningitisUK · Registered Charity No.1076774
