Mothers fight for meningitis cure

A woman from Merseyside says she wants to eradicate meningitis after the disease claimed the life of her ten month old daughter.

Lola Melia-Duncalf died less than 24 hours after showing symptoms.

Doctors said nothing could have helped her.

Lola's mum, Lauren Melia said: "You never think that it's going to be that fast and so severe, so quickly. We've got video of her on the Monday night dancing. The night before she even put a phone to her ear for the first time. She'd just started to stand up by herself. She was just about to take her first few steps. And it just happened within 24 hours."

Medics told Lola's parents she had contracted a rare form of meningitis and septicaemia.

"We asked the nurses if anybody had ever survived and she said she could only think of one person that survived it. Meningitis is literally a silent killer." Lauren added.

Lola's family say a cure for meningitis must be found. Together they've embarked on a quest to raise as much money as possible for research into the disease.

Lola's mum and twelve members of her family and friends are taking part in a skydive next month.

Lauren said "We'd do anything for Lola. We'd do anything to get her back but we know that's not going to happen. So at least if this can save one person's life that's worth it."More details here: http://www.justgiving.com/Rememberlola-events

They're also planning a charity evening to raise money for the Meningitis Trust.