Mother fronts meningitis campaign

Meningitis is an inflammation of the brain lining

A woman from Northern Ireland is fronting a major campaign to raise awareness about meningitis.

Sharon McAllister from Ballyclare will talk about the devastating effects which the disease wrought on her daughter, Rebecca.

In an appeal on behalf of the Meningitis Trust, broadcast on Sunday on BBC Radio Ulster, she tells how her daughter's battle with the disease left her profoundly deaf.

"It did not just affect Rebecca, it has affected every aspect of our lives," she said.

"It has been very hard to deal with and we have been supported by the Meningitis Trust."

Mrs McAllister said the charity continued to offer the family support, helping them to come to terms with the impact of the disease on their lives.

Fiona Cunningham, manager of the Trust in Northern Ireland, said: "We are grateful that Sharon has offered to retell her experience of meningitis.

"Each year, dozens of people across Northern Ireland live with the affect effects of meningitis - these can turn people's lives upside down."