I WAS saddened to read that nursery nurse Rachael Phillips, now aged 23, from Farnworth, was in a coma for a week and could have died of meningitis.

Everyone at Meningitis UK was touched to read that Rachael was released from hospital and is expected to make a full recovery.

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

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 Kate Rowland Chief executive Meningitis UK