A SHAVINGTON couple, whose four-year-old daughter nearly died of Meningitis, are campaigning for other parents to be vigilant and spot the disease before it's too late.

Tracey and Dan Phillips' daughter Rebakah made a full recovery from meningococcal septicaemia last year, because her parents recognised the symptoms at an early stage.

Now they have joined with the Meningitis Research Foundation to help raise awareness with a "Manage the Minutes" campaign.

Mr Phillips said they nearly dismissed Rebekah's illness as a typical childhood sickness.

"She went white and was very drowsy, falling asleep when she wanted to eat," he said.

"She woke up the next morning and I have never seen anything so white. Luckily, just before the doctor arrived, Tracey noticed a few spots on her body. She was unconscious within one hour after that.

"She stayed in hospital for a week on 24-hour nursing and her chances were 50-50 at one point. I have never felt so helpless."

The new campaign, which has been launched amid a peak season for the disease as children return to school and college, focuses on the three A's: Aware, Alert and Act.

"What we want to emphasise is that the speed of our reaction was paramount," said Mr Phillips.

"People should be looking out for the symptoms. Even if it's a false alarm- so what. It might save a life."

The symptoms linked to meningitis are:

Fever, vomiting and abdominal pain

Severe headache and stiff neck

Dislike of bright light

Drowsiness or impaired consciousness

Cold hands and feet

Rapid breathing

Rash

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