Tuesday, 08 April 2008

Walk on part for Mercedes-Benz retailers in summer stroll

They may have some of the finest transport in the world at their disposal but staff at Mercedes-Benz of Bristol and its sister site in Bath are going back to basics to support one of the region’s biggest charity fundraisers this summer.

Employees will be stepping out to participate in Meningitis UK’s 14-mile Summer Stroll on Saturday, June 28 – an event being sponsored by the two Mercedes-Benz retailers.

The walk, now in its third year, will start at Twerton Park – home of Bath City Football Club – and finish at Bristol City’s Ashton Gate Stadium.

About 200 people are expected to take part and all money raised on the day will go towards Meningitis UK’s Search 4 a Vaccine Campaign.

The aim of the campaign is to raise £7million over the next seven years to fund vital research into developing a vaccine against Meningitis B - the most common form of meningitis in the UK. This accounts for almost 90 per cent of all cases and there is still no vaccine.

Organiser Paul Hobbs, a well-known Bristol charity supporter, hopes it will significantly add to the £27,000 already generated over the past two years.

Paul said: “This year’s Stroll promises to be bigger and better with the support of many local celebrities, including players from Bath City, both Bristol football clubs, Bristol Rugby and Gloucestershire County Cricket Club, and upcoming opera singer Tim Pitman who will perform a song en-route.“We’re delighted that Mercedes-Benz of Bristol and Mercedes-Benz of Bath have agreed to be associate sponsors as their support will help us to provide food and water to keep everyone going on the day.”

Mike Fellows, Mercedes-Benz of Bristol’s Managing Director, will be leading a team from the Cribbs Causeway outlet.

He said: “Although the walk is expected to take seven hours and will involve considerably more effort than my usual journeys between Bath and Bristol, I’m sure that the camaraderie and the thought of raising money for such a good cause will ensure that the miles will flash by, for everyone taking part.”

Meningitis UK’s Chief Executive Steve Dayman said “We are so grateful to Paul for again organising this hugely successful event for Meningitis UK and the two Mercedes-Benz retailers and Edward Ware Homes for sponsoring it.

“Last year’s was a massive success and we want to make this bigger and better than before. Every bit of help is so important in enabling us to continue our vital work and will take us one step closer to finding a vaccine and saving lives.”

To join in the Summer Stroll, to make a donation, or to provide raffle prizes for the event, call Emily Knight, Meningitis UK’s Community Fundraising Officer, on 0117 373 7373 or e-mail emilyknight@meningitisUK.org