Three families from Swalwell, Lemington and Washinton, are launching their ‘Summer Memories’ walk in memory of their teenage children who tragically died of meningitis
Three families from Swalwell, Lemington and Washington, who have tragically lost loved ones to meningitis and meningococcal septicaemia, have joined forces to raise money to help fund research to eradicate these devastating diseases.
They have organised the ‘Summer Memories' walk in memory of Lisa Richardson, Nick Walton and Charmaine Duxfield and are urging people to join them on this 5 mile sponsored walk which will take place in the beautiful location of Derwent Country Park, Salwell on Sunday 8th July.
The proceeds of the walk will go towards supporting Meningitis UK's Search 4 a Vaccine Campaign, which aims to raise £7 million in seven years to help fund vital research to find a vaccine to eradicate meningococcal Group B, the most common form of meningitis in the UK, which tragically took the lives of Lisa, Nick and Charmaine. This walk will also raise awareness of the common symptoms and need to act quickly, which until a vaccine is found, can mean the difference between life and death.
Lynn Duxfield from Lemington who lost her daughter Charmaine in November 2006 said "It is vital that a vaccine is found soon to protect against this disease, so that lives can be saved. If this vaccine had been developed our daughter, Charmaine, would be with us today. The consequences of meningitis are devastating."
Nicks mother, Sandra Walton from Washington said "Knowing the symptoms is imperative, as this disease doesn't just effect babies and toddlers, it effects everyone - Nick was a healthy 17-year-old when he died in October 2006, so even if your children are older you must know what to look out for."
Father, Brian Richardson from Swalwell, who lost his daughter Lisa in November 2003 said "It is so important to find this vaccine to stop other parents suffering the total heartache and devastation of losing a child to meningitis and meningococcal septicaemia."
MeningitisUK · Registered Charity No.1076774
