On the 3rd October 2009 we will be heading to Beijing to begin a trek along theGreat Wall of China to raise money for the Meningitis Research Foundation in memory of Sarah's brother Daniel.

We will walk for approximately six hours every day along steep stony paths, twisting and winding through the mountains either side of the Gubeikou Gateway. The challenge will see us start in Jinshanling and climb a total of 65 kilometres in 10 days. We have been warned this is one of the most vigorous and demanding sections of the Great Wall and it is renowned for its hostile conditions.

Daniel was a loving son, brother and friend. He was popular, fun, had a great sense of humour and a big circle of friends. He was taking a year out before starting university when he was struck down with Meningitis on Monday 11th January 1999.

Everything happened so quickly, one minute Daniel was a young, fit, healthy and bubbly person and the next he was fighting for his life in intensive care. On the first day we were told by doctors that Daniel would not make it but amazingly he managed to get through the night which gave us some hope. Daniel fought the disease for another nine days.

On Thursday 21st January 1999 doctors told us that there was nothing else which could be done and Daniel died. He was 18 years old.

Daniel had the strain of meningitis, Meningococcal Septicemia, for which there was no vaccine at the time.  There are vaccines now that will prevent some types of the disease but not all, there are still 3,000 cases in the UK every year After going through this experience and seeing first hand how quickly Meningitis can attack and take loved ones away we have decided to commit to raising money in memory of Daniel for the Meningitis Research Foundation.

As well as the obvious need to develop a vaccination for Meningococcal Septicemia, chances of surviving this ruthless disease are increased by recognising symptoms and acting fast. It is therefore crucial that the Meningitis Research Foundation is able to continue research work and conduct public awareness campaigns.

Since Daniel died, £38,000 has been raised for the Meningitis Research Foundation through a trust that has been set up in his memory.  As the 10^th anniversary of Daniel’s death approaches it would be fantastic if we could boost these funds. In order to complete the Great Wall challenge we must raise a minimum of £10,000.

As well as asking for sponsorship we will also be organising a calendar of fundraising events between now and October 2009 to help raise money for Daniel’s trust. We have set up a website

http://sites.google.com/site/sarahandlucyfundraisingevents/  which we will be updating over the coming months with details of how you can get involved with these events – please keep checking it.

Thank you for visiting our page and for your support – we and the Meningitis Research Foundation are very grateful.

Lucy & Sarah

Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor us: Meningitis Research Foundation gets your money faster and, if you’re ataxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation.

For more information on the Meningitis Research Foundation visit http://www.meningitis.org/