Meningitis Research Foundation (MRF) is marking its 25 Anniversary.  I have worked here 16.5 of those years and seen the impact research and awareness has made.  The introduction of MenC, Hib and pneumococcal vaccines offering protection for our children.  The internet www.meningitis.org offering symptoms information worldwide, resources for parents and health professionals.  Our work continues here and overseas.  Our vision a world free of meningitis and septicaemia.

That is why at my age and with insider knowledge of working with those families affected by meningitis and septicaemia it was my idea to walk 140kilometres, 86.9 miles!  My boots are polished, the accommodation being arranged as cheaply as possible. The office walls are covered in maps and drawing pins.  I have signed off risk assessments dealing with dangerous wild life attacks, dehydration, cliff fall and how to dispose of poo.  Persuaded local members to cook us supper and put us up in their homes as a gift in kind, donate raffle prizes, organise Fashion and Fizz evenings and pretty much HELP with everything.  Booking a venue to begin the challenge, cajoling staff, scientists and researchers into walking , taking annual leave, bringing their families along and SUPPORTING us.  Menb vaccine remains just out of reach for everyone.  Equality, ethnicity, sexuality and age are no barrier to this cunning disease.  In my early years at the charity I sent out hundreds of thousands of leaflets, took hundreds of thousands of helpline calls.  Now I walk, visit, travel and tweet for MRF. I believe in the charity. 

Do you believe I will walk the Pennines from Sheffield University/Sheffield Children’s Hospital to the National Meningitis Reference Laboratories in Manchester? 

Do you believe in Meningitis Research Foundation and the planning skills of my team?  You might see me in the support vehicle but I will be there every step of the journey.  If you do believe we are making a difference please sponsor me, on behalf of every family affected.  I thank you