MENINGITIS is one of the worst diseases in the UK, yet receives no official funding from the government to find a way of wiping it out.

MENINGITIS is one of the worst diseases in the UK, yet receives no official funding from the government to find a way of wiping it out.

Signs of the illness are very difficult to spot and it takes hold very quickly and, if not treated in hospital straight away, the end result can be devastating.

An Exmouth grandmother, whose four-month-old granddaughter died from meningitis, wants to raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of the illness.

Linda Helliker was devastated when on Good Friday 2008 her son Philip, a serving member of the 5th Battalion of the Rifles, telephoned from his Army quarters in Germany to say his beloved four-month-old daughter Lily Hollie had died in his arms. Mrs Helliker has this year planned a number of events to raise money for the Meningitis Trust – an organisation which supports people affected by the illness. To help ease the family’s grief, Mrs Helliker and her husband, Richard, have organised a sponsored walk on Sunday, September 5, leaving from Exmouth docks to Sandy Bay and back via the cliff path. Joanne Campbell from Meningitis Trust, said: “With no government funding, we are reliant on voluntary donations from individuals and organisations to continue our vital work. “We greatly appreciate any help with our fundraising, so are extremely grateful to Mrs Helliker and her family and friends for their generous support.” Call The Meningitis Trust freephone 24-hour helpline on 0800 028 18 or visit www.meningitis-trust.org or to join in or sponsor contact Linda on (01395) 272264.