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Great Train Journey for meningitis

19 August 2005

Meningitis Research Foundation and Heartland Rail are working together to organise a Great Train Journey as part of Meningitis Awareness Week. On Saturday 24 September the preserved 1960s diesel locomotive will travel from Wolverhampton to Minehead in support of the charity's fight against meningitis and septicaemia - the blood poisoning form of the disease.

The train will call at Tame Bridge, Aston, Birmingham New Street, Kidderminster, Worcester Shrub Hill, Cheltenham Spa, Cam & Dursley and Bristol Parkway before stopping at Bristol's Temple Meads station where the specially chartered Class 47 locomotive will be officially named in a grand ceremony before continuing on to Taunton, Bishops Lydeard and Minehead.

At Minehead, travellers will have the opportunity to enjoy a spot of lunch by the seaside or take a ride on the West Somerset preserved steam railway.

By booking a ticket on Meningitis Research Foundation's Great Train Journey not only will you have the opportunity to enjoy this unique day out but you will be helping the charity to tackle meningitis and septicaemia - diseases that still claim hundreds of lives each year and particularly affect the under-fives.

Ticket prices start from £18 for a fun day out for all the family in MKIII air-conditioned rolling stock with licensed buffet and onboard games and entertainment. Places will be limited so call 0845 607 6395 to book tickets for Meningitis Research Foundation's Great Train Journey.

Bronze, Silver and Gold Corporate packages are also available, call Sarah Campbell on 01454 280418 for more details.

What progress is being made?

Since it was founded in 1989, the charity has awarded 122 research grants, leading to many advances in the prevention, detection and treatment of meningitis and septicaemia. The total value of the Foundation's investment in vital scientific research is nearly £13.5/€19 million.

 

Find out more about our programme of research.