A MENINGITIS survivor visited Downing Street today (Friday 20) to grill the Government about a lifesaving meningitis vaccine.

Crook teenager Lyndon Longhorne is a Meningitis Now young ambassador and has joined a campaign to get the Meningitis B vaccine introduced for babies for free on the NHS.

The Paralympic hopeful was struck down with meningitis when he was eight-and-a-half months old and lost both of his legs, his right arm and the fingers on his left hand.

The inspirational 19-year-old was one of 11 young ambassadors who were specially invited to No 10 by the Prime Minister, David Cameron in response to the campaign.

Meningitis is inflammation of the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord and is usually caused by bacteria or viruses.

The 11-strong group sat around the Cabinet table to question Government advisor Nick Seddon.

Mr Longhorne said: “Sadly, we weren’t able to meet David Cameron, but it proved a brilliant chance to grill the Government. I believe they listened and took away some important points.

“The day was insightful and a tour gave a fascinating behind the scenes look at the PM’s residence.”

The group also presented an 11,250-named Emergency Vaccine Petition to a Health Secretary advisor, calling for negotiations to conclude before the General Election in May.

Meningitis Now chief executive Sue Davie added: “We’re grateful to Lyndon and the young ambassadors, who gave their time to help with this latest Beat it Now! campaign push.

“We hope they take on board what we said and resolve negotiations before more babies die or suffer life-changing after-effects. It would be a legacy the Government could be proud of.”

Meningitis Now has 31 young ambassadors, who fundraise and raise awareness to aid the meningitis charity.

It is the UK’s largest charity fighting the disease and was formed after Meningitis UK and Meningitis Trust merged in April 2013.

For more information on the disease, call 01453-768000 or visit MeningitisNow.org.