A UNIVERSITY of Central Lancashire student whose sister tragically died from meningitis last year is to walk from Blackpool to Preston to raise funds to fight the killer disease.

Catherine Riches, aged 21, will walk 18 miles of a coast to coast trek in September with six of her friends to make money for research into the illness which took the life of her younger sister Elizabeth just before her 17th birthday.

It is hoped that cash raised will enable scientists to discover more about the devastating ailment which, according to Catherine, is currently baffling the experts.

She said: "Nobody seems to know anything about it. Anything we can do can only help.

"It is a devastating disease, about which there are still many questions which need to be answered.

"It is very difficult to deal with. In Elizabeth's case it happened so fast that we were left reeling from it."

She added that the walk would be in memory of her sister and a chance to help future sufferers: "If it stops anyone else going through what we went through then we will have achieved our aim."

Catherine hopes to raise about £300 on the walk which starts in Blackpool on September 14 and ends in Bridlington nine days later - as part of a total £70,000 which is expected to be made by fundraisers.

Anyone who would like to sponsor Catherine and her friends, or take part in the walk can ring 01454 281 811.

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