A MOTHER has joined a determined effort to raise awareness of meningitis and the vital research into the disease.

Beverley Ford works at Rota Val Ltd on Bumpers Farm Industrial Estate in Chippenham.

Her son, Ryan, eight, was a best friend to Daniel Higgs, who died on February 28 from meningococcal meningitis and septicaemia, just two hours after showing symptoms of the illness.

"It was very shocking and frightening. So close to home and just so quickly," said Mrs Ford.

Mrs Ford felt there were many parents, like herself, who did not appreciate the speed with which the disease could strike.

She contacted Wiltshire Health Authority who provided a number of leaflets produced by the Meningitis Research Foundation.

Now she is compiling a factual item for Rota Val's newsletter which will go out to more than 30 staff and their families in April.

"When I received the leaflet it was the first time I understood more about meningitis and the reason I wanted to know more is because I am a parent," she said.

Mrs Ford hopes to get more copies of the leaflet and distribute them to her colleagues.She wants to make contact with as many people as possible and make sure all parents know the signs.

Ryan had been a friends with Daniel for more than a year. They met at an after school at a club run by Cloverleaf at Lowbourne Primary School.

She said her son was still trying to come to terms with his friend's death.

"Ryan was very shocked. This is the first death he has come across and we cannot explain it by saying someone is very old.

"He is so full of questions which is exactly how I felt and I want to make sure others are aware," said Mrs Ford.

For information telephone the Meningitis Research Foundation freefone 24-hour helpline 080 8800 3344.