“Katrina was our third daughter. Whilst trying to get her asleep one evening at 7-months-old she wouldn’t settle.
She was teething and it was warm weather as it was June in 1996.
“All night she was awake screaming. By the time morning came her condition had worsened and she had developed a rash and had a fit. We rushed her to the doctors, who told us to drive her straight to hospital as it would be quicker than by ambulance.
50/50 chance
“On arrival at A&E Trina was taken from us and lots of nurses and doctors surrounded her with tubes. She was put on life support and later transferred to St Mary's Hospital, Paddington, with a police escort. On arrival we were told she had a 50/50 chance of survival and had a blockage in the top of her leg. The only child vascular surgeon had to be called in that same night and we were told they may have to amputate her leg if the blockage couldn’t be removed.
“It was a horrendous time but the op was successful and Katrina made a full recovery after about two weeks in hospital. She was five days on life support and we never left her side.
Proud mum
“She is now 21-years-old and makes me proud to be her mum.
“The Meningitis Now helpline and website have helped and supported me. It made such a difference having a kind understanding person at the end of the phone. It has made me a stronger person then I was before. I can advise people on symptoms and we appreciate our children so much more.”
