MENINGITIS UK would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who took part in our Bridlington to Brighton walk, which stretched 334 miles between the two towns last month.

Over 100 people, many who have experienced the devastation of meningitis first-hand, took part at various stages over 16 days and helped to raise a staggering £36,000.

This included bucket collections of £1,245 on the eleventh day as the walk stretched from Woodstock to Wantage.

I walked the entire route and was extremely grateful to everyone who supported us, either by taking part, making a donation or by sponsoring a friend or colleague.

All money raised on the walk will go towards our Search 4 a Vaccine Campaign, which aims to raise £7m to fund lifesaving research into developing a vaccine for all forms of meningitis. The number ‘4’ signifies the devastating fact that meningitis can kill in under four hours.

Without the continued support from members of the public and volunteers we would not be able to continue our vital work, which will hopefully save thousands of lives in the future.

It’s not too late to make a donation to the walk and readers can do so by contacting us on 0117 373 7373 or see meningitisuk.org.

STEVE DAYMAN, chief executive, Meningitis UK, Downend, Bristol