I AM writing on behalf of the Meningitis Trust in response to news that Matthew Carnelley, 18, has triumphed in his A-level results at Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College, Darlington, and will be studying his dream subject – sports coaching – at Leeds Metropolitan University (Echo, some editions, Aug 24).

After his experience of meningitis at just six-days-old, Matthew is an inspiration to us all, but particularly to those who have experienced meningitis. He has really shown that if you survive meningitis, you can go on to achieve great things.

Our trust provides the largest range of professional services and community-based support for people affected by meningitis.

We offer a unique range of free services to anyone affected and are dedicated to raising life-saving awareness of the disease, its signs, symptoms and after-effects.

We urge anyone struggling with the impact of the disease to get in touch with us as we can offer support – however and whenever needed. Our freephone, 24-hour, nurse-staffed helpline is available 365 days of the year on 0800 028 18 28.

Everyone at the trust wishes Matthew good luck for university.

Nico Chilton, Community Development Officer, Meningitis Trust, Stroud, Gloucestershire