AS the 21st century looms, many childhood infectious diseases have become preventable through vaccines introduced into the national immunisation programme for babies and young children.

Sadly, however, there is no vaccine for meningococcal disease - meningitis and septicaemia - which kills more British children under 5 than any other infectious disease.

Over the past three years in Britain there has been a sharp rise in the incidence rate of the disease with more cases in 1997 than any other year since the 2nd World War, therefore an effective vaccine is imperative.

Steve Dayman, who founded the national charity, Meningitis Research Foundation after losing his own 14-month-old son Spencer to the disease, will be walking from John O'Groats to Lands End raising money to fund vital research into a vaccine.

He will be walking through this area on Thursday October 22.

If you would like to help beat meningitis why not join Steve and members of the Foundation whose lives have been touched by this devastating disease by contacting: Sarah Murray, 'A Few Steps for Meningitis', Meningitis Research Foundation, 13 High Street, Thornbury, BRISTOL,BS35 2AE.

Alternatively you may wish to make a donation to help save young lives.

Cheques should be made payable to Meningitis Research Foundation and forwarded to the above address.

Meningitis Research Foundation also operates a 24-hour Helpline - 01454 413344 - giving support and information to the general public and health professionals.

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