A woman who almost died after contracting meningitis has had a tearful reunion with the paramedics who saved her life.

Addie Quinnear, of Perryfields, Braintree, fell seriously ill in March, when she thought she had a common cold but soon found that she was unable to get up or even talk.

She noticed that the TV screen was too bright and her skin had turned grey.

The 26-year-old said: “I was meant to be going to Wembley to watch a rugby game with my dad but I couldn’t even pick up the phone to let him know I was unwell.

“I don’t know where I got the energy from but I knew I had to let someone know and sent my mum a text.”

See Thursday's Braintree Times for the full story.