A MID Cheshire mum is educating people about the signs of meningitis after her 18-month-old daughter contracted the deadly illness last October.
Lynne Yates, of Wentworth Grove, Winsford, is working with the Meningitis Trust to offer advice and to raise funds for the organisation that supported her throughout her daughter Lauren's ordeal.
She said: 'I feel that people need to learn more about the illness as it was an awful time for Lauren. There are the obvious signs of meningitis, but there are also many indications that can be mistaken for something else.'
Lynne initially became worried that Lauren wasn't eating properly, which prompted her to take her daughter to the family's GP.
She said: 'The doctor told us it was a throat infection, but when we got home she was being violently sick. I was not happy with the diagnosis so I took her to A&E at Leighton Hospital where they told me she had contracted meningitis - I was devastated.'
Despite the worst of Lauren's ordeal being over, Lynne is concerned that long-term damage may have been caused.
She admitted: 'Having failed a hearing test, I am worried that the illness has caused Lauren brain damage which could mean she'll have learning difficulties. But the Meningitis Trust says there should not be any long-term problems, but that is my concern. Only time will tell. That's why others should be educated about the not so obvious signs.'
She continued: 'It didn't even cross my mind she might have meningitis, even when the doctors were testing her - thought it was most likely a stomach bug. People should be aware of the possibilities when their child is ill and not to be afraid to take them to their GP.'
Lynne will be holding coffee mornings and other events for the Meningitis Trust to raise money over the coming months.
'The Trust was so good to me, its help and support was fantastic.' she said.
For more information on future events, call Lynne Yates on 01606 861650, or call the Meningitis Trust for details on 0845 6000 800 or visit www.menigitistrust.org.
For more details of the Meningitis Research Foundation, visit www.meningitis.org or call 08088 003344.
