Frank’s fight for life at just eight days old (From Echo)

Frank’s fight for life at just eight days old

4:10pm Thursday 11th September 2008 in

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SEEING a child struck down with the deadly and quick disease meningitis is every parent’s nightmare.

The illness, which often affects children and young people, is contracted by thousands of all ages in the UK each year.

Each day nine people become ill with meningitis, with one person likely to die and a further two left with severe after effects, which include brain damage, deafness and limb amputations.

Hazel Lambert, 32, from Basildon, knows all about the dangers of the condition after her son, Frank, became ill with the disease about three years ago.

As a result, she is working with the Meningitis Research Foundation, a national charity, during Meningitis Awareness Week to raise awareness of the disease.

Hazel, of New Waverley Road, Noak Bridge, said: “My son Frank became very ill with meningitis, very quickly, in March 2005.

“He was just eight days old and back home from the hospital when Group B streptococcal meningitis struck overnight.

“It was very quick. He seemed fine at 11pm, but by 5am he was very unwell, so we rushed him straight to Basildon Hospital.

“He had irregular breathing, a high temperature, he was a strange mottled colour and felt quite floppy.”

Frank was in intensive care for three days and transferred to St Mary’s Hospital, in London, which specialises in meningitis.

He is now aged three and recovered, but he still suffers from fluid on the brain, an after affect of the illness.

Hazel said: “We were desperately concerned at the time. We had no idea if he would make it or not.

“It was a really hard time for the family. That’s why I am supporting Meningitis Awareness Week.

“I would encourage everyone to be aware of the symptoms of meningitis because it could mean the difference between life and death.

“We didn’t think it would happen to us. Had we known what the symptoms were, we may have picked it up earlier.”

The Meningitis Research Foundation provides help and support to thousands of families affected by the illness, has 22 research projects and relies on people’s donations to fund its work.

Meningitis Awareness Week, which runs from September 15 to 21, and the foundation’s B Aware campaign, also aim to highlight the dangers of septicaemia or blood poisoning.

Christopher Head, the foundation’s chief executive, said: “There are vaccines which provide excellent protection, but not all forms of meningitis and septicaemia can be prevented. In particular, there is no vaccine to protect against Meningitis B, which causes most cases in this country.

“Meningitis and septicaemia are devastating diseases which within just a few hours can leave a baby, child or adult fighting for their life.

“Knowing the symptoms and acting fast will save lives.”

For more information, including a free B Aware symptoms pack, call the foundation’s free 24-hour helpline on 080 8800 3344, or go to www.meningitis.org

spot deadly symptoms

• Meningitis attacks the brain and spinal cord by causing inflammation and its various strains can affect people of all ages
• The Meningitis Research Foundation estimates there are 3,300 cases of meningitis and septicaemia every year in the UK
• Meningitis and septicaemia kill more children in the UK than any other infectious disease
• Symptoms to look out for are: a severe headache, a stiff neck; a dislike of bright lights; fever and vomiting, drowsiness and a rash
• Other symptoms in babies include: tense or bulging fontanelle (the soft spot on a baby’s skull), blotchy skin, getting paler or turning blue, not feeding, irritable when picked up and having a stiff body with jerky movements or else floppy and lifeless.