A mum whose son almost died from meningitis is backing a campaign to raise awareness of the brain bug.

Reflecting on the “horrific” ordeal, Louisa Thornber, 31, of Cowling, Keighley, said it was vital that parents knew the symptoms and acted quickly.

In December, 2008, her son, Elliott, who was just seven weeks old, was suffering mild flu-like symptoms.

She said: “Elliott had been very lethargic during the day and hadn’t been to the toilet.

“When I got home his temperature had rocketed to 39.9 degrees. Alarm bells were now ringing so I checked for a rash.”

Louisa’s sister had suffered from meningitis previously so she understood what symptoms to look out for.

Although Elliott had no spots, she knew something was wrong so phoned NHS Direct. A nurse called back to assess the situation and Louisa checked again for a rash.

She said: “The rash developed so quickly and within four minutes he was covered in about 1,000 spots from neck to toe. It was horrific.”

Louisa, of Hartley Place, dashed to Airedale General Hospital with Elliott, where tests confirmed he had meningococcal septicaemia.

Elliott was allowed home after seven days in hospital on antibiotics and has gone on to make a full recovery.

“Doctors said that had we not got to the hospital when we did he wouldn’t be here today,” said Louisa.

“We realise just how lucky we are to have him, which is why I’m supporting Meningitis UK’s winter awareness campaign.

“My advice to parents is to make sure they know the full range of symptoms and to act quickly. You know your child best and if you’re not happy you should take them to the hospital.”

Classic symptoms are a headache, stiff neck and a dislike of bright light. Others can include difficulty supporting your own weight, fever, vomiting and diarrhoea and confusion and drowsiness.

Signs of meningococcal septicaemia include aching limbs, cold hands and feet and a rash, which starts like pin-prick marks and develops rapidly into purple bruising.

Meningitis UK has produced a free poster raising awareness of the disease. For copies, or symptoms information packs, call 0117 373 7373 or visit meningitisUK.org.