TWO years ago my daughter Lucy was struck down by meningitis and I was brought face to face with the terrifying nature of this disease.

Thankfully after six agonising weeks, Lucy began to recover and is now in very good health.

But we were lucky, one in ten people die from meningococcal disease, and many others are left with a permanent disability, such as deafness or loss of limbs.

As president of the National Meningitis Trust I would like to invite your readers to help fight meningitis by contributing to the organisation through BT Friends and Family Charities.

If you are are existing customer of BT Friends and Family you can donate the discount off your next bill to help the National Meningitis Trust, Marie Curie Cancer Care and The Stroke Association.

I am also delighted to say BT has pledged to match donations up to £1 million.

Simply call Freefone 0800 400 450. Lines are open from 9am to 11pm Monday to Friday and 10am to 6pm on Saturdays from now until December 31.

This scheme will give a huge boost to the work of the National Meningitis Trust in finding effective vaccines and treatments, raising awareness and supporting families and individuals whose lives have been devastated by meningitis.

Please call Freefone 0800 400 450 today. Thank you.

ANDREW HARVEY

Broadcaster

President

National Meningitis Trust