A HEREFORD father whose daughter died from meningococcal septicaemia has been named as regional ambassador for an international charity researching the disease.

Dan Rowbotham has raised more than £16,000 for the Meningitis Research Foundation (MRF) and will now help to raise awareness of the charity as regional ambassador.

Mr Rowbotham said: “I lost my daughter Beren to the disease in 2008.

"Beren was diagnosed as having meningococcal septicaemia by the ambulance staff and they began treatment immediately, transferring her to the Hereford Hospital whose A&E team responded with a passion to try and save her.

"The disease won and sadly Beren died four hours later.

"Myself, family and friends have raised £16,567.54 in her memory.

"I am honoured to be asked to promote the work of MRF in Hereford as an ambassador as they have supported us so much since Beren passed away."

Meningitis is inflammation of the lining around the brain and spinal cord – the meninges. Septicaemia is blood poisoning caused by the same bugs and can be more life-threatening. Septicaemia can occur with or without meningitis.

The diseases are easily mistaken for milder illnesses, but can kill within hours or cause life-long disabilities.