A HEREFORD meningitis survivor is sharing her first-hand experience of meningitis and septicaemia during national Meningitis Awareness Week which runs until Sunday.

The Meningitis Research Foundation estimates that meningitis and septicaemia affect ten people in the UK and Ireland every day.

They are deadly diseases that can strike without warning, killing one in ten, and leaving a quarter of survivors with life altering after-effects ranging from deafness and brain damage to loss of limbs.

Children under five and students are most at risk but the diseases can strike at any age and not all forms are currently covered by vaccines.

Lesley Hart said: “I spent ten days in hospital when I fell ill with meningitis. I have been left with many after-effects including tinnitus, headaches, balance, sleep and memory problems, which I am having to learn to live with.”

“Meningitis and septicaemia are diseases you never expect to happen, but when they strike they can be devastating not just for the person who falls sick, but for all their loved ones, family and friends.

“That’s why I’m supporting Meningitis Awareness Week. Everyone needs to know about these diseases.”

Visit meningitis.org to find out more about the symptoms.