13762/1GAZETTE & HERALD: THE mother of a three-year-old boy, left deaf by a potentially deadly strain of meningitis, is planning a seven-day cycle ride with a difference to raise money for the Gazette's Lydia Cross Appeal.

Cara Mead, 32, of The Ridings, Kington-St-Michael, said she was struck with chills after reading of the plight of Lydia, who lost her legs after she went undiagnosed with the HIB virus, by doctors last year.

Mrs Mead said she was also sent home from Chippenham Hospital twice in one weekend, when doctors dismissed her son Oliver's symptoms as a virus.

But just days later, her child was unconscious and fighting for his life, in intensive care with meningococcal meningitis.

"We sat by Oliver's bed for five days, just willing him to wake up," said Mrs Mead.

"We didn't know whether he would, and if so, how badly affected he would be. The doctors warned us he could be badly brain damaged, but they had no answers, we just had to wait."

Eighteen months on, Oliver, now three, has no hearing in his left ear and limited hearing in his right ear.

He wears a hearing aid in his strongest ear and will need to be taught using a hearing loop when he starts school next year.

But Mrs Mead counts her son as one of the lucky ones.

"Scans have shown no brain damage, but he does have a problem with his balance and there may be more obstacles to get over when he starts school," she said.

"Oliver has a hearing specialist and we have had so much support.

"But reading what happened to Lydia, the way her parents were sent home from hospital and how she went on to lose her legs to septicaemia, just brought all the anger and fear flooding back.

"What happened to Lydia is a tragedy and I feel so deeply for her and her parents.

"Seeing your child lying in hospital, not knowing whether they will wake up or how badly they have been affected by this disease is the most painful thing I have ever experienced," she added.

"And it has changed my whole perception on life.

"I have terrible feelings of guilt that I could have done more.

"But what also makes it worse is watching reports on television which tell you to look for the symptoms of meningitis.

"Parents have to be made aware that children don't always get the rash Oliver didn't and that it's best to trust your intuition and take your child to the doctor straight away don't feel like you are making a fuss, just do it."

Mrs Mead said she was deeply touched by the bravery of Lydia Cross, who was fitted with prosthetic legs just two months after her legs were amputated beneath the knee.

And that a wish to help her, while also raising awareness about meningitis and hopefully closing the door on her own experiences, were what prompted her plans for an ambitious fundraising event.

Next Spring, she plans to spend seven days cycling a 300-mile circuit from her home, around Wiltshire and home again.

But she's not doing it alone she wants to take some tiny passengers along the way.

"I wanted to do something that would be a real challenge, but would also make a statement and so I am going to cycle pulling a pod which I will use to carry two children at a time," she said.

"I am planning to do it in February or May half term and I will be asking my friends and other Gazette readers to let me use their children for half mile or so stints, to highlight the threat of meningitis.

"Of course I will be inviting Lydia to take a ride in the pod but I'm also hoping that many other parents will see the importance of this and get involved."

As well as raising money for the Lydia Cross Appeal, which currently stands at £36,000, Mrs Mead also plans to donate money to the Meningitis Trust.

She is now planning to buy a cycle pod for her tiny charges but is looking for help organising the event and for sponsorship.

"I would love to hear from a personal trainer who wouldn't mind putting me through my paces for a good price," she said.

"And anyone who would like to lend me a bike that's up to the challenge would be fantastic."

Mrs Mead would also like to hear from anyone who would be interested in joining an event committee to arrange a fundraising party for everyone involved after the cycle ride.

"And sponsors are of course very important," she added.

"Companies who would like to put ads on the pod would be very welcome, but I'd also like to raise cash from as many people and groups as possible."

Mrs Mead can be contacted on (01249) 758118.