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Local Events
South West England
Community Development Officer, Jo Campbell
Hi my name is Jo Campbell, your local Community Development Officer for the Meningitis Trust.
The counties I cover are Gloucestershire, Somerset, Dorset, Devon, Cornwall and the Channel Islands.
My role is to offer support to people in my region who have been affected by meningitis and to raise awareness of this devastating disease. I am also on hand to assist our supporters with any fundraising activities, however big or small. Without people raising vital funds for us, the Trust could not continue to provide it's free, professional support services.
If I can support you in any way or if you would like some information on the Trust, please contact me on 0845 120 0664 or email: joannec@meningitis-trust.org.
Lily-Hollie Memorial Walk
This year’s walk takes place on 5 September 2010. The walk is approx eight miles and starts and finishes at Exmouth Docks. This is the third year that Linda (Lily’s grandmother) is organising this event and we are encouraging people to get involved. There is always a lovely atmosphere to the day and all are welcome, including dogs. Start collecting sponsors now and we can make this a record year. Since the death of Lily-Hollie a couple of years ago at the age of four months, Linda has worked tirelessly to help raise both funds and awareness. For further information, please contact Jo Campbell on 0845 120 0664 or joannec@meningitis-trust.org.
Local events
Click here to download a list of events taking place this year in your local area that you, your friends and family, might be interested in taking part in to have fun and raise funds for the Meningitis Trust.
Bungee Jumping
Why not give bungee jumping a go? Get a group of friends together and make a day of it. Ria Ashley recently completed a jump in aid of the Trust and said; “I still can’t believe I have done the jump. It was really good and I am glad I did it”.Ria decided to raise money for the Trust as her boyfriend, Daniel Mitchell, suffered from meningococcal meningitis a couple of years ago and thankfully has made a full recovery.
If you would like to know more about how you can jump, please contact me on 0845 120 0664 or email joannec@meningitis-trust.org.
Calling all volunteers
Our volunteers are so important to us; without them we wouldn't be able to achieve what we do today. Although I do have a number of loyal supporters, new members are always welcome. You can choose to do as little or as much as you like. I hear so many supporters telling me how rewarding being a volunteer is. Throughout 2010, there will be a wide range of events to help out at. For anyone who is keen to become a volunteer and has some spare time on their hands, it is a great way to meet new people in your local community and can be great fun too.
Here are some of the ways you could help:
Sourcing and distributing our awareness information to local venues such as GP surgeries, libraries etc. (This would include logging names and addresses for our database)
Sourcing locations for collection tins and then emptying these on regular intervals
Giving talks on meningitis and the work of the Meningitis Trust
Carrying out street collections or working on awareness stands in places like supermarkets or town/city centres
Helping out at events within the region
If you are able to help in anyway, please do get in touch either call me on 0845 120 0664 or email me here.
Supermarket and street collections
These collections are a fun way to raise vital funds and at the same time raise awareness of meningitis and the work of the Trust. Why not get your family and friends involved? Our mascot Monty can come along too! I can apply for the relevant licences required and provide support to you. If you are interested please get in touch.
Volunteers needed for bag pack and collection at Morrisons (Glastonbury) on Saturday 5 June 2010.
5km Big Fun Runs
Cheltenham – Race Course on Sunday 3 October
Big Fun Runs are taking place all across the UK. There are a total of twenty two 5k runs that are suitable for the whole family. For more information on the run nearest to you, please visit www.bigfunrun.com.
To register, select your chosen venue and the Meningitis Trust as your chosen charity.
When you register you will receive a free Meningitis Trust fundraising pack which includes a T-shirt, fundraising ideas, sponsorship forms, and training tips to prepare you for the big day. We will be here to support you before, during and after your run.
Local running events 
Why not aim to get fit at the same time as raising vital funds for the Meningitis Trust? There are lots of running events throughout the region from fun runs to full marathons. To search for a race near to you then the Runners World web site has a full list. You could also check out www.therunningbug.co.uk
We can provide sponsor forms; advice on how to set up your own 'Virgin Money Giving' web site; collection tins; a letter of authority (to say that your raising funds for the Trust); a T-shirt or vest to run in on the day; training advice; and of course lots of support. Just get in touch, and you'll be all set. .
Bristol Half Marathon – 5 September 2010
www.bristolhalfmarathon.com
Cheltenham 10km – 18 September 2010
Cheltenham 10K - Event Details - Runner's World
Or look at www.westernrunner.co.uk for a more detailed list of marathons, half marathons and 10km races
Five Valleys Walk – Sunday 26 September 2010
If you haven’t taken part in the Meningitis Trust’s Five Valleys Walk before, you really have been missing out!
The walk is 21 miles, but don’t let that put you off! You can do as little or as much as you want. It takes in some of Gloucestershire’s most beautiful countryside, weaving up and down its famous five valleys. This year will mark our 23rd event. You can get together with your family, friends, colleagues, walk alone, bring your dog, give your team a theme, dress up….the choice is yours.
The shortest section is just over a mile, so participation has never been easier! Walk just one section, link several together, or tackle the whole route. For more information click here.
Zip slides and abseils
Are you prepared to go over the edge for the Meningitis Trust or hold on tight for the ride of your life? Taking part in an abseil or a zip slide is a great fun way to support the Meningitis Trust by taking part in an adrenaline activity. Through our partnerships with Eight Point Two Events & Zip Slides UK, we are able to offer events across the country. No experience is required – just enough guts to take the first step over the edge! All training is provided by experienced staff.
We can provide a full fundraising pack including sponsor forms and lots of materials to help you with your fundraising. For more information or to book your place, please contact Jo Campbell on 0845 120 0664 or email joannec@meningitis-trust.org.
Skydiving!
Feeling brave? Want a challenge?
Then why not take part in a 10,000ft freefall parachute jump!
Ever wanted to try a parachute jump but thought it would cost too much and take too much training? Well this is your chance to complete the training and jump in one day - AND if you raise the minimum amount of sponsorship you jump for FREE!
Join up with a group of friends and enjoy the day together, it can be a great team building experience.
Locations available in the South West include Honiton Airfield, Devon and Perranporth, Cornwall. For further information please contact me by clicking here, call 0845 120 0664 or to register on line click here.
Organise your own event
Do you have an idea for your own event? If so, please get in touch – we can provide you with advice and answers to any questions along with help for your press release to publicise your event. We also have a range of fundraising materials on offer.
For an information pack, which includes our calendar of fundraising ideas and further suggestions for fundraising events, please contact me.
That’s all for now but I will keep you updated with upcoming events.
Don’t forget if you would like to help the work of the Meningitis Trust in the South West region, call 0845 120 0664 or email joannec@meningitis-trust.org.
