A HAMPSHIRE family who feared they might not see their daughter grow up, are throwing their weight behind a campaign to make parents more aware of all the symptoms of meningitis.

Lee and Annmarie Cooper, whose daughter Sophia fought bacterial meningitis, are supporting the Meningitis Trust’s campaign launched today called ‘Don’t Wait for a Rash’ to ensure parents understand that a rash is not the only tell-tale sign.

The charity is concerned that research shows up to 5.3 million adults in the UK cannot name a single sign or symptom.

Lee, 37, an IT developer, said: “Everyone needs to know it’s not all about the red rash with meningitis, our daughter never had it.

“Our best piece of advice is trust your parental intuition, you know your child better than anyone else; don’t be afraid to follow your gut instinct, even if others feel different.”

Up until January 2006, first-time parents Lee and Annmarie Cooper, of Topiary Gardens, Park Gate, had a healthy baby girl.

The 15-month-old had been put to bed with a slight cold, but examining her the next morning she did appear unwell.

Over the next four hours her condition deteriorated dramatically – she was running a fever and high temperature, sleepy and becoming increasingly unresponsive.

Sophia was blue lighted into hospital.

On the way Annmarie said there was a frightening moment when Sophia went completely lifeless and she believed she had died.

Meningitis was confirmed and Sophia spent three weeks in hospital.

Sophia suffered a series of convulsions and her parents were later told she had also had a stroke, which had affected her right arm and leg. It was during this dark time that the family turned to the Meningitis Trust for advice and support. After a year and a half of physiotherapy, partly funded by the Meningitis Trust, Sophia, now six, has recovered full movement in her limbs and this year completed the children’s version of the Great South Run.

SYMPTOMS:

Symptoms can appear quickly and rapid deterioration is sign of a medical emergency. Meningitis can start with ‘flu like’ symptoms like fever, headache, vomiting and muscle pain.

Other symptoms of meningitis can include fever with cold hands and feet, drowsiness, confusion, blotchy skin, stiff neck, a dislike of bright lights and seizures.

In babies, symptoms include being floppy and unresponsive, a dislike of being handled, rapid breathing, a moaning cry and a bulging fontanel (the soft spot on the top of the head).

Lifesaving information is provided free by the Meningitis Trust by calling its freephone 24-hour nurse-staffed helpline on 0800 028 18 28 or by visiting meningitis-trust.org.