FORMER pupils of a popular deputy head who died of meningitis are taking part in a fundraising walk from Ripon to Otley in aid of research into the killer bug.

Fourteen sixth-form pupils from St Mary's School, Menston, hope to raise £1,000 sponsorship money for the Spencer Dayman Meningitis Charity, in memory of teacher Kevin Leaver.

Mr Leaver's 16-year-old daughter, Laura, and his widow, Lesley, will take part in the 22-mile walk.

The fifty-year-old Mr Leaver, who lived in Burley-in-Wharfedale, died in January this year, just hours after complaining of flu-like symptoms.

Mr Leaver's symptoms were not immediately recognised, and he died five hours later in hospital.

The walk is part of a nationwide day of fundraising for research into Meningococcal B. The national series of walks start at Morpeth in Northumberland, and the first letter of the town at each main stage of the walk spells out 'Meningococcal B'.

As well as raising money for research, Mr Leaver's family want to raise awareness of Meningitis, and draw attention to the fact that it is not only young children and teenagers who die of the illness.

Mrs Leaver said: "The Spencer Dayman Charity has been so supportive and has put us in touch with people who've gone through similar experiences.

"We want to raise awareness of the facts and try and stop it happening again."

Money raised for the charity will go towards developing a vaccine.

The St Mary's pupils are taking part in the walk today (Thursday).

Otley town mayor Christine Campbell will see off Steve Dayman, operations officer for the charity's fundraising office, and fellow walker Steve Fear, on the next stage of the walk on Friday.