Meningitis Now is inviting families from across Gloucestershire – and further afield – to join it for a Fabulous Virtual Walk next month.
The Fabulous Virtual Walk is replacing Meningitis Now’s popular annual Five Valleys Walk for the second year running. With Covid still casting its shadow the charity felt it unwise to encourage large group events until it is confident they can be staged safely
Local supporters who would normally take part in the flagship 21-mile trek around the Stroud hills and valleys can now choose a time, route and distance to suit themselves, while still raising vital funds to help defeat meningitis in the UK within a generation.
Meningitis Now Fundraising Officer, Leah Wynn, said: “The Fabulous Virtual Walk is all about capturing the spirit of the original Five Valleys Walk challenge, if not the location.
“It was a big success for us last year and gives everybody the chance to be part of a bigger event, knowing you’re making a difference in our fight against meningitis.
“The best thing though is that it means you can take part with family, friends or colleagues at a time and in a place of your choosing.
“This can be your favourite walk or that new challenge you’ve always wanted to do, spread over one day or many days – it’s your walk your way.”
Taking part in the Fabulous Virtual Walk is easy – visit the Meningitis Now website at www.MeningitisNow.org/fvw to sign up. Registration costs £21 and everyone who registers will receive a handbook which includes walks in and around the Five Valleys and across the UK and a Meningitis Now T-shirt. Additional T-shirts are available to buy.
There’s no minimum sponsorship pledge but Meningitis Now is suggesting £50. Whoever raises the most will receive a box of Hetty’s Kitchen brownies as a thank you.
“The pandemic has had a significant impact on our fundraising over the last 18 months and with around 21 people a day contracting meningitis there’s still a great demand for our lifesaving and life-changing services,” Leah added.
“Hopefully, next year, we’ll be able to meet up again in and around Stroud in September for the 34th walking of our flagship Five Valleys Walk.”
Meningitis Now is grateful to Renishaw and Loxley Legal for their generous sponsorship of the Fabulous Virtual Walk this year.
Meningitis Now is working towards a future where no one in the UK loses their life to meningitis and everyone affected gets the support they need.
For more information and to donate visit www.MeningitisNow.org
