Sir,

I am writing to you from the Meningitis Trust in response to the news that a student from Pembrokeshire College has sadly died of meningitis.

We are urging everyone in the area to be aware of the signs and symptoms of the disease, as it can strike in minutes and kill within hours. If you know of anyone who is concerned about their own, or someone else's health, please make sure that they seek medical attention immediately.

Meningitis can start with 'flu like' symptoms. Those to look out for are: fever, headache, vomiting and muscle pain. Other symptoms can include fever with cold hands and feet, drowsiness, confusion, pale blotchy skin, stiff neck, dislike of bright lights and seizures. In babies, symptoms can include being floppy and unresponsive, dislike of being handled, rapid breathing, moaning cry and a bulging fontanelle (soft spot on the top of the head).

At the Meningitis Trust we are constantly reminded how devastating meningitis can be, changing people's lives in an instant. Every year we help 20,000 people affected by meningitis with our free tailored support services, providing help when, where and however it's needed.

After the recent case of meningitis, we would like to offer our free support to anyone in the area who would like more information or help. Our support includes a freephone 24-hour nurse-led helpline 0800 028 18 28, counselling, home visits, art therapy for children, one-to-one contacts and financial grants.

We also produce and distribute free credit-card sized symptoms cards for people to keep in their wallets and purses. These cards are known to have saved lives, so get in touch today by calling our helpline to order yours. People with smart phones can download our free mobile app for iPhone and Android at http://www.meningitisapp.co.uk">www.meningitisapp.co.uk.

Ffion Haf,

Community Development Officer,

Meningitis Trust.