One brave woman from Wendover has spent almost two years fighting back to fitness after she was diagnosed with meningococcal septicaemia, which left her on a life support system for 15 days.

Denise Waterton has come forward to tell her story, and along with the Meningitis Research Foundation, warn others of the symptoms and side-effects of the disease as part of Meningitis Awareness Week.

Mrs Waterton was a fit and healthy 54-year-old but in March 2007, she contracted the deadly meningococcal septicaemia and within hours was placed on life support.

A week before she became ill, Mrs Waterton had completed a half marathon run for charity. It was a wet weekend and she developed an illness that was very much like flu.

"My teeth were chattering and I couldn't stop shaking - I just couldn't get warm. I woke up the next morning and didn't feel any better. I got up and went to the toilet where I collapsed and passed out completely. Within 20 minutes I was in and out of consciousness."

A miracle drug was the last resort for doctors. At £20,000 a time, the drug, Xgaris saved Mrs Waterton's life.

She has had to learn to walk again and, 18 months on, her life is getting back on track and she has returned to work.

She married her partner, Neil on her birthday last November and has been on a family holiday. She suffers from permanent kidney damage now and needs to rest during the day.

She feels other people need to be made aware of the illness that very nearly took her life.

"I would encourage everyone to be aware of the symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia as it could save a life."

Have you, or do you know anyone who has been affected by meningitis?

To comment on this or any other Bucks Herald story, click here.

To post comments directly on this website, click on the Comment on this Story link below