From Big Brother to a Big Stroll

BRISTOL's very own Big Brother winner Josie Gibson braved the weather to take part in Meningitis UK's Big Stroll.

The 26-year-old from Yate, who won the hearts of the nation in 2010, supports the Kingswood-based charity because her brother, Harry, contracted meningitis as a baby leaving him profoundly deaf.

The charity's new national series of day-long sponsored walks raises vital funds for life-saving vaccine research.

The 11-mile walk through the scenic Avon Valley between Bath and Bristol started from the Lock Keeper Inn in Keynsham at 9am on Saturday and finished at Clifton Suspension Bridge.

Despite the miserable weather walkers were still able to enjoy beautiful countryside, scenic riverside views and historic city centre sights.

Josie named Meningitis UK as her chosen charity for 2012. In March she threw a bash for 150 of her fans known as her "muckers", at the Almondsbury Sports and Social Club to support the charity's pioneering vaccine research.

She said: "When I was asked to name my charity of the year Meningitis UK was the obvious choice. I want to help to raise money to support the work they do to try to prevent other people suffering at the hands of this disease in the future."

To donate to Meningitis UK or to find out more about the charity's Search 4 A Vaccine campaign, please call 0117 947 6320 or visit www.meningitisuk.org.