FUND-RAISERS are being urged to pull on their boots and take part in a mammoth sponsored walk to boost the coffers of the Meningitis Research Foundation.

The nine-day trek across Lancashire and Yorkshire starts on September 14.

It will cover a 160-mile route from Blackpool to Bridlington, passing through Preston, Blackburn and Padiham on September 15. The foundation aims to raise £70,000 to fund vital scientific research into meningitis.

Steve Dayman, chairman of the Meningitis Research Foundation, who lost his own son to the disease, is leading the cross-country walk. He said: "There is still a lot we don't know about meningitis.

"The foundation wants to continue its commitment to helping scientists understand more about it and develop better methods of prevention, detection and treatment of this devastating disease."

"I would like as many people as possible from the Preston and Blackburn area to join me on the second leg of the walk.

"Whether walking one mile or 100, in the fight against meningitis every step counts."

For more details of sponsorship call 01454 281 811.

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