Familes set to walk for Ellie; ROWLEY REGIS: Event to raise funds for meningitis victim.

Byline: By Steve Johnson 

FAMILIES touched by the plight of young meningitis victim Ellie Bishop are rallying round to support a "Walk for Ellie".

More than 200 people living in and around Harrold Road in Rowley Regis are expected to take part in the fancy dress event on May 20.

And organiser Maria Daulman said that local families were doing all they could to make sure the walk was a success.

"People in Harrold Road, Hackett Road amd Penncricket Lane have been very supportive. We have got banners out in the street publicising the walk and dozens of sponsor forms are going out.

"Children to adults are taking part and will be doing 30 circuits around the block. We hope to raise thousands of pounds for Ellie and her family," she added.

The event will start at noon and mother of three Maria said she was hoping to get a celebrity to get the walk underway.

Two teddy bears have been donated as raffle prizes and Ellie, who has undergone a series of amputations after falling ill with meningococcal septicaemia on February 20, has named one of the soft toys.

Other raffle prizes have also been donated and anyone who wants to help the event in any way can contact Maria on 0121 601 1973.

Ellie, who is being treated at Birmingham Children's Hospital, has had both legs amputated above the knee.

She has also had her right arm removed up to the elbow and has also lost most of the fingers on her left hand.

CAPTION(S):

BRAVE ELLIE... Meningitis victim Ellie Bishop with her mother Karen Dunnaway. Picture: Iain Findlay