A mother from Bushey is sharing her first-hand experience of meningitis and septicaemia during national Meningitis Awareness Week, which began last Monday.

Emily Furniss of Rudolph Road is a "Meningitis Ambassador" and she wants to ensure others can recognise symptoms of the conditions so they can help and support loved ones affected by them.

She said: "My son George contracted Group b meningococcal septicaemia in 2011 when he was 23 months old.

"He spent two weeks in hospital seriously ill, including a terrifying week in intensive care where he suffered three cardiac arrests and was given only a 20 per cent chance of survival.

"Luckily he survived but we were shocked by the speed and severity of this appalling disease and feel just so relieved to have our little boy home in one piece when so many others aren't so lucky.

"I'm supporting Meningitis Awareness Week as everyone needs to know the symptoms so they can seek medical help fast."

Emily, who works as a public relations manager, has previously taken her campaign to raise awareness to the MP for Hertsmere James Clappison who wrote back in support.

The international charity, Meningitis Research Foundation, estimates meningitis and septicaemia affect approx nine people in the UK and Ireland every day.

They are deadly diseases that can strike without warning, killing one in ten, and leaving a quarter of survivors with life altering after-effects ranging from deafness and brain damage to loss of limbs.

Children under five and students are most at risk, but the diseases can strike at any age and not all forms are currently covered by vaccines.

Christopher Head, chief executive of the Meningitis Research Foundation, said: "We’re very grateful to Emily for supporting Meningitis Awareness Week.

"Meningitis and septicaemia are diseases you never expect to happen but her personal experience really brings home how devastating these diseases can be and why it’s so important to be aware of the symptoms and be prepared to act fast when loved ones, family and friends fall sick."

To find out more about the symptoms visit the MRF website on www.meningitis.org or download the iPhone App from: bit.ly/MRFapp