THE parents of a child who lost her fingers after contracting meningitis as a baby have urged others to learn the signs of the potential killer.

Simon and Melinda Lancaster from Catterick Garrison have shared their experience of the disease ahead of Meningitis Awareness Week, from Monday, September 19.

After their 10-month-old daughter Amelia contracted meningitis and septicaemia in 2010, they want to warn other parents to be aware of symptoms, be vigilant and act fast.

Mrs Lancaster said: "When Amelia contracted meningitis and septicaemia, doctors told us she wouldn’t make it past the first 24 hours.

"She pulled through and we spent two months by her hospital bed while she recovered. We thought she might lose both her legs and one arm below the elbow, but the doctors managed to save everything apart from her fingers.

"Even though she has recovered it is almost a daily struggle to deal with the after effects of this devastating disease – I would urge all parents to know the symptoms, be vigilant, and get medical help quickly if you are concerned.”

Meningitis Awareness Week is run by Meningitis Research Foundation (MRF). The charity estimates that there have been on average around 3,200 cases of meningitis and septicaemia every year in the UK.

They are deadly diseases that can strike without warning, killing one in ten, and leaving a quarter of survivors with life altering after-effects ranging from deafness and brain damage to loss of limbs. Babies, toddlers and young adults are most at risk.

MRF chief executive Vinny Smith said: “We are so grateful to our ambassadors Melinda and Simon for raising awareness in North Yorkshire during Meningitis Awareness Week.

"MRF funds vital scientific research into the prevention, detection and treatment of meningitis and septicaemia but there are still some forms of the disease which are not covered by vaccines so it is vital that people are aware of the symptoms."

Symptoms include fever or vomiting, limb or muscle pain, shivering with cold hands or feet,pale or mottled skin, rash, stiff necks or dislike of bright lights.

Check that you know the symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia at www.meningitis.org/symptoms and share the Meningitis Awareness Week campaign (www.meningitis.org/maw2016) with everyone you know using #MRFAwarenessWeek. Call MRF’s Freefone helpline on 080-8800-3344 or log on to www.meningitis.org.