And we're hoping that their story will encourage others from Northumberland to get involved and take on a personal challenge for us.

The team of supporters, named Commando Joe, trekked across 150 miles of gruelling desert terrain, faced the highest sand dune in Asia, an ice gorge hidden within a mountain range and miles of desert plain – all in memory of team member Pete Rowland's son Gareth, who tragically died, aged 16, of meningitis.

The team provide real inspiration to others thinking about taking on a challenge for charity. They have selflessly given up their time over the last few years to embark on several huge challenges for us – from rowing the North Atlantic to skiing to the Magnetic North Pole.

Not only have they raised a huge £264,322 for us, but they have also raised vital awareness of the disease – which may save lives in the future – as well as awareness of the work we do and the services we offer. The money they have raised is used to provide practical and emotional support to families and individuals in the UK, whose lives have been shattered by meningitis.

With as many as 500,000 people living in the UK who have had either viral or bacterial meningitis and up to one adult in every four knowing of someone who has had the disease, our ongoing work is much-needed. We are reliant on voluntary donations to continue our work, so fund-raisers such as Commando Joe make a huge impact to the work we do.


SUE DAVIE
Chief Executive
Meningitis Trust
01453 768000

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