A woman whose best friend died of meningitis, aged just 15, is to undertake a trek in Peru to raise funds for research into the disease.

Lindsay Rawlings' friend Christina Irwin died in 1996. Since then Lindsay has worked with Christina's mum Alison MacGrath of Craven Lane, Gomersal, to raise cash for the Meningitis Research Foundation.

Lindsay, 25, said: "It was very sudden. She was at a party at Christmas and felt ill. Then she got the rash and an ambulance came for her. Not long after that, she died."

Lindsay, of Craven Close in Gomersal, has remained good friends with Mrs MacGrath, who has already raised £10,000 for meningitis research.

"It's been a while since we did any fund-raising but when I heard about these treks, which people have done for charities like Scope, I wanted to have a go and raise money for the Meningitis Research Foundation. I just want to help things happen. In the seven years since Christina's death, a lot has been done in terms of meningitis research and now they can catch it faster. I just want to help them raise awareness."

Lindsay and Christina became friends while attending the Yorkshire Mixture Majorettes together. Christina was a pupil at St John Fisher High School in Dewsbury and Lindsay attended Whitcliffe Mount School in Cleckheaton.

Lindsay's challenge will take place in June 2004 and will involve a three-day trek, walking eight hours a day over steep terrain, reaching a maximum altitude of 13,000ft. She will undertake the journey with ten to 15 other people, all raising money for the Meningitis Research Foundation.

"I've been advised to do a lot of walking to build up my stamina and also to go to the gym, as the fitter you are, the less chance there is of getting altitude sickness," said Lindsay, who works at Birkby's Plastics in Liversedge. "I have to raise £3,000 in total but am hoping to raise at least £5,000."

On Saturday, Lindsay and Christina organised a fun day at the White Horse Pub in Gomersal, which included face painting, a barbecue, a DJ, raffle and bouncy castle among other attractions.

Tickets for a charity ball at the Gomersal Park Hotel on September 27 are now on sale. The ball will raise money for the Meningitis Research Foundation. Tickets are £35 for a three-course meal, DJ and auction. Ring (01274) 869135.