ON behalf of the Meningitis Trust we would like to congratulate Jonnie Peacock – 19-year-old meningitis survivor, world record holder and now Paralympic gold medallist – for his incredible win at the Paralympic Games.

Jonnie contracted meningococcal septicaemia when he was just five years old. The disease ravaged his body and doctors were forced to amputate his right leg below the knee.

Jonnie is an inspiration to us as Young Ambassadors of the Meningitis Trust. He has shown the world that meningitis does not have to define you as a person and that if you want something hard enough, train hard enough and push yourself you can do it.

Not just in the big sporting arenas, but in your everyday lives too.

The Meningitis Trust launched its ‘Believe and Achieve’ appeal last month to carry on the legacy of our fellow young ambassador Alex Williams. Watching Jonnie power across the line in the Olympic Stadium underlines just why Alex’s motto is so important.

The Trust is here for everyone affected by meningitis and always will be. Visit www.meningitis-trust.org

MENINGITIS TRUST YOUNG AMBASSADORS

Via e-mail

I WAS saddened to read in your recent article that Jonnie Peacock lost his right leg to meningococcal septicaemia aged five.

Everyone at Meningitis UK was touched that Jonnie beat his hero and fellow “blade runner” Oscar Pistorius to claim gold in the 100m at the Paralympics.

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

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

If any of your readers would like a symptoms information pack they can call Meningitis UK on 0117 947 6320 or visit www.meningitisUK.org

KATE ROWLAND

Chief executive

Meningitis UK

Via e-mail