MEMBERS of the Rotary Club of Musselburgh are continuing their quest to help deliver a polio-free world as World Polio Day approaches next Thursday (October 24).

For more than 45 years Rotary International has worked towards a global goal of eradication of the disease, which can lead to serious symptoms that affect the brain and nerves, such as weakness in muscles (paralysis), usually in the legs.

If the paralysis affects the muscles used for breathing, it can be life-threatening.

The organisation said: “Whilst the path to total eradication has been challenging, we now find ourselves living in a world where the number of cases has fallen by over 99 per cent from 1979 levels.

“Delivering a polio-free world with stronger health systems and communities is not only right for humanity but also a smart investment in future generations.

“Rotary in conjunction with the Gates Foundation are determined to keep progressing towards our goal of total eradication of a human disease for only the second time in history.”

Any donations received will be tripled thanks to the two-to-one match by the Gates Foundation.

The Musselburgh club is promoting the campaign via its Facebook page and is hoping people will give support with donations.

In the past, members have planted purple crocus bulbs – the symbol of the campaign – at the town’s rail station to raise awareness of efforts to end polio.

Spokesperson Drew Johnston said: “Rotary clubs generally make a donation from their general fundraising activities to support the great work Rotary International in partnership with the Bill Gates Foundation is doing to try and eradicate this horrible disease entirely.”

Anyone wishing to donate should go to rotary.org/en/our-causes/ending-polio