WORCESTER people are being urged to put on walking boots and raise money for meningitis.

National charity Meningitis UK is looking for residents to join its marathon Big 4 Walk this October and help raise vital funds for its Search 4 A Vaccine campaign.

The 25-day walk crosses the country in the shape of a number 4 to highlight the message that meningitis can kill in under four hours, and it visits Worcester on day 15.

Steve Dayman, chief executive of Meningitis UK, lost his son to meningitis and meningococcal septicaemia in 1982 and will be walking the entire 540 mile route.

He said: “We would be very grateful if people could join the walk at any stage for any distance. “Just one mile would make a difference.”

On Thursday, October 16, the Big 4 Walk will go from Hagley to Worcester, via Stourport. Everyone who takes part will receive a free T-shirt, an information pack and sponsorship forms For more information call 0117 3737373 or visit meningitisuk.org