AS AN Olympian and patron of Meningitis UK, I would like to challenge readers to do something incredible to help save lives from this killer disease.

The charity has two events coming up involving the highest mountains in Africa and Great Britain.

Both seasoned walkers and brave novices can sign up for either the Three Peaks Challenge in August or a more awe-inspiring climb up Mount Kilimanjaro in January, 2012.

The Three Peaks Challenge, between August 5 and 7, involves conquering the three highest peaks in the home nations – Ben Nevis in Scotland and Scafell Pike in England before finishing at the top of Mount Snowdon in Wales, all within 24 hours.

The trip of a lifetime to Mount Kilimanjaro covers a variety of diverse terrains, from jungle to volcanic craters.

I fell ill with meningitis and meningococcal septicaemia at 15 and was in a coma for three days. Thankfully, I was lucky to pull through and be able to go on to achieve my sailing dreams.

To find out more, visit meningitisuk.org, email toya.champ@meningitisuk.org or phone Toya on 0117 302 6191.

Sarah Ayton, Olympic gold medallist and Meningitis UK patron.