A COCKEREL and teddy bear were among those enjoying a 12-mile stroll through Oxford to raise money for meningitis research.

The group of five, led by school caretaker Jason Woodburn, walked from Kidlington to the John Radcliffe hospital and back on Saturday [[MAR5]].

It was in aid of Mr Woodburn's daughter Jessica, seven, who fell ill with meningitis on Christmas Day.

The St Thomas More school pupil was forced to stay in hospital for two weeks but has now been given the all clear.

Mr Woodburn, 46, said: "I definitely felt it the next day, I got out of bed and thought someone had bashed my leg with a baseball bat.

"The day was really enjoyable and a lot of people donated on the way.

"Drivers even stopped in their cars to give us money."

He was walking with five friends: Wayne Swann, Ashley Rowlands, David Short, Jason Pollard and Tony Skinner.

While the men were out, Jessica and mum Janine Castle were in Summertown shaking their charity buckets.

The group raised £370 for the children's hospital, and are asking for more donations towards the Meningitis Research Foundation (MRF).

The foundation supports sufferers and conducts research into the virus.

To make a donation, visit justgiving.com/Jason-Woodburn.