IT was heartening to read your article about Lyndon Longhorn, from Crook, County Durham, celebrating his 13th birthday (Echo, Nov 28) after doctors amputated his legs, much of his right arm, and the fingers of his left hand to save him from meningitis when he was nine months old.

His attitude is inspirational and we wish him luck for the future.

At Meningitis UK we know too well how devastating meningitis can be. However, sometimes even if the symptoms are recognised, prompt treatment sought and the best medical care is given, it is still not enough to save a life.

Meningitis is also often incredibly difficult to detect as the symptoms are hard to distinguish from the common cold and flu, plus there are occasions when people show no or very few symptoms.

Our Search 4 a Vaccine Campaign aims to raise £7m to fund lifesaving research into developing a vaccine against Meningitis B, the most common form in the UK for which there is currently no vaccine.

We also distribute material to raise awareness of the common symptoms. If anyone would like an information pack, or to learn more about supporting our vaccine campaign, they can call Meningitis UK on 0117-373-7373 or visit meningitisUK.org Philippa Walker, Meningitis UK, Bristol.