PARENTS have been urged to become more conscious of the symptoms of meningitis as part of Meningitis Awareness Week.

Neale and Rachael Vickery, both from Widnes, are working with Meningitis Research Foundation to help raise local awareness of meningitis and septicaemia - the blood poisoning form of the disease.

Rachael said: "One of my twin sons, Ryan, became ill while on holiday in Cuba two years ago. Ryan became ill very quickly and we carried out the tumbler test. We were then airlifted to Miami Children's hospital and thankfully Ryan has made a full recovery and is now a happy and healthy three-year-old."

There were more than 3,000 cases of meningitis and septicaemia in the UK last year, resulting in some 300 deaths.

Although there are vaccines that can provide excellent protection against some forms of the diseases, they cannot protect them all. Therefore awareness is the key to making sure of a rapid diagnosis and prompt treatment.

Rachael added: "Knowing the symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia is vital as it can save lives."

Free symptoms information during awareness week, which runs from September 18 to 24, is available by calling the Foundation's 24-hour helpline on 080 8800 3344.