I WAS saddened to read that brave Daisy Pashley lost her lower legs and arms to meningitis in December 2010 (Cotswold Journal, April 4).

Everyone at Meningitis UK was touched to read that the nine-year-old is getting new running blades after wanting some after seeing Oscar Pistorius compete in last summer’s London Paralympics.

We wish Daisy and her family and friends the best for the future.

Meningitis can strike with incredible speed and the symptoms are notoriously difficult to detect, often being confused with flu.

For these reasons, we believe preventative measures are the best solution.

Our sole focus is to fund the development of vaccines and other methods of preventing this devastating disease.

In the absence of a vaccine, we distribute a range of materials to raise awareness of the common symptoms and need to act quickly, which can mean the difference between life and death.

If any of your readers would like a free symptoms information pack, including walletsized symptoms cards, or for more information, they can call Meningitis UK on 0117 947 6320 or visit meningitisUK.org.

SUE DAVIE Chief executive Meningitis UK and Meningitis Trust