A girl who survived a battle with the deadly illness meningitis has helped to launch a national campaign to promote awareness of it.

Charlotte Ray, of Great Horkesley, was struck down with meningococcal meningitis when she was three.

Despite fears she might not recover, she fought her way back to health.

Since her daughter's ordeal Scilla Ray has become involved with the Meningitis Research Foundation, which offers support for families touched by the illness and funds scientific research into the disease while promoting awareness of the symptoms.

Charlotte, now eight, today features in an advert asking runners in the London Marathon to choose the foundation as their chosen cause.

The youngster spent ten days in hospital after being rushed in just 15 minutes after being diagnosed with possibly having the illness.

Mrs Ray said the symptoms were like flu but by "mother's intuition" she knew it was more serious. It was only once she was past the danger period that the enormity of the situation hit.

"I don't know how I made it through that time and I realise now how lucky Charlotte was," said Mrs Ray.

Charlotte still suffers from nightmares because of her ordeal and a sensitive stomach, but is otherwise a happy and outgoing child.

Her face is now used in a campaign as well as information posters for the foundation which today (Tuesday) warns of the speed with which meningitis and septicaemia - the blood poisoning form of the disease - can take hold.

It urges parents to make themselves aware of the symptoms of the illness and the need to act quickly.

Mrs Ray said: "I cannot explain how awful it was when Charlotte was ill.

"It is still with me today and will probably never leave.

"I got in touch with the foundation because they read about Charlotte in the Gazette and got in touch. They have been marvellous and I have helped them out whenever I can since then.

"As this disease can take hold with such speed, it is vital that it is diagnosed as early as possible, the worst thing is people seem to wait for this rash to appear which can often be too late," she said.

Pitching in in the fight against meningitis: Charlotte Ray (left)

Danger signs

Signs to watch out for in babies and infants include fever with hands and feet feeling cold, refusing feeds or vomiting, high-pitched moaning or whimpering crying.

The baby may be floppy and may dislike being handled. Other symptoms include neck retraction with arching of the back and blank and staring expressions.

Children may also be difficult to wake, lethargic and have a pale blotchy complexion and the fontanelle, soft spot on babies' heads, may be tense or bulging. Adults might complain of a dislike of bright lights and a stiff neck.

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