A CHARITY dedicated to fighting meningitis is inviting people in Gloucestershire to join them for their annual fundraising walk as they celebrate their 30th anniversary.

Stroud-based Meningitis Now is preparing for this year’s Steppes Travel Five Valleys Walk, its flagship sponsored walk to raise funds to fight the disease.

The popular walk takes place on Sunday, September 25, and follows a 21-mile circular route through the Cotswolds around Stroud.

Event manager at Meningitis Now Laura Gibbs said: “This year it’s our 30th anniversary – that’s 30 years of research, awareness and support – making a difference to those at risk from or living with the impact of this horrible disease.

“We’d love you to join us for the Five Valleys Walk this year to make this our biggest and best year yet and mark this landmark.

“Each year the walk raises vital funds for our lifesaving and life-changing work, so this year we’re asking walkers to raise £30 – or more if they can – so that we can make an even bigger impact on the disease through our work.”

Anyone who raises or donates £30 by September 19 will be sent a token to redeem against a pint of beer donated by Stroud Brewery.

Those who sign up to take part by that date will be entered into a competition to win a signed Gloucester rugby shirt or a Microsoft tablet. As previously, the walk’s top fundraiser will win a balloon flight, courtesy of the charity’s corporate sponsor, Bristol Balloons.

For those who don’t want to tackle the whole route, a free bus service will take walkers back to their starting point from any of the nine walk checkpoints.

Advance entry costs £10 an adult (16 upwards) and £5 a child. Children under five and dogs are free. A group ticket for up to four people is £25. Prices to register on the day are higher.

Go online at www.MeningitisNow.org for more information and to pre-register.