Devastated mother warns parents over the symptoms of meningitis after her daughter, 13, died from the infection on January 1 - just two DAYS after waking up with a rash and 'grey eyes'
- School girl Maisie Dicks, 13, died just 3 days after complaining she felt unwell
- Her devastated mother Sharon Stokes, 38, from Wales was left devastated
- Maisie died on New Year's Day just 2 days after developing rash and 'grey' eyes
A devastated mother has told of her heartbreak after her 13-year-old daughter died from meningitis and septicaemia.
Sharon Stokes, 38, from South Wales was left devastated when daughter Maisie Dicks died on New Years Day, just three days after telling her Sharon she was feeling poorly.
The morning after Maisie complained that she felt unwell, Sharon says she woke up with 'grey eyes and a rash' before being rushed to hospital and put into an induced coma- but unfortunately it was too late, and she died just two days later.
Sharon now wants more parents to be aware of meningitis symptoms so they don't have to experience the same heartbreak.
Sharon Stokes, 38, (seen left) from South Wales was left devastated when daughter Maisie Dicks, 13, (seen right) died on New Years Day, just three days after telling her Sharon she was feeling poorly
Sharon called an ambulance on December 30 after Maisie woke up with 'grey eyes' and with a rash.
Sharon said: 'Her arms went black within an hour. It was so rapid, it was unbelievable.'
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Speaking about the shocking speed her daughter's health deteriorated at, Sharon revealed: 'I thought it was just a bug. If she had had a temperature or breathing difficulties, I might have thought differently.'
Sadly Maisie had already developed septicaemia (blood poisoning), with Sharon adding: 'She had meningitis but it was septicaemia at that point. By the time I knew, it was too late. I couldn't have done anything else.'
The morning after Maisie complained that she felt unwell, Sharon says she woke up with 'grey eyes and a rash' before being rushed to hospital and put into an induced coma- but unfortunately it was too late, and she died just two days later
Maisie, of Merthyr Tydfil was immediately put into an induced coma when arriving at hospital but died two days later.
Sharon said: 'I honestly did not believe it would go this way. I thought she was very sick but not that she would die.
'I'm numb. It still hasn't hit me. Everything she had for Christmas is still in the house.'
Describing the little girl, Sharon remembered: 'She was such a loving, caring person and so grateful.
Sharon now wants more parents to be aware of meningitis symptoms so they don't have to experience the same heartbreak
Sharon called an ambulance on December 30 after schoolgirl Maisie, 13, pictured above, woke up with 'grey eyes' and with a rash
'Even when we were in hospital, she was thanking me for looking after her and telling me she appreciated it.
'She would do anything for anybody and wanted to help everybody. She was just a really happy child.
'She wanted to go into the army to fight for her country when she grew up.'
Meningitis symptoms include fever, vomiting, drowsiness, confusion, severe muscle pain, severe headache, stiff neck and a dislike of bright lights.
Suffers can also have convulsions or seizures, pale or blotchy skin, and spots or a rash.
Sharon added: 'I want people to be aware of meningitis and especially septicaemia. That's what kills you. I don't want another family to have to go through this.'
Maisie, of Merthyr Tydfil was immediately put into an induced coma when arriving at hospital but died two days later and now her mother is warning parents to watch out for the symptoms
WHAT IS MENINGITIS?
Meningitis is inflammation of the membranes that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord.
Anyone can be affected but at-risk people include those aged under five, 15-to-24 and over 45.
People exposed to passive smoking or with suppressed immune systems, such as patients undergoing chemotherapy, are also more at risk.
The most common forms of meningitis are bacterial and viral.
Symptoms for both include:
- Pale, blotchy skin with a rash that does not fade when compressed with a glass
- Stiff neck
- Dislike of bright lights
- Fever, and cold hands and feet
- Vomiting
- Drowsiness
- Severe headache
Headache is one of the main symptoms
Bacterial meningitis
Bacterial meningitis requires urgent treatment at hospital with antibiotics.
Some 10 per cent of bacterial cases are fatal.
Of those who survive, one in three suffer complications, including brain damage and hearing loss.
Limb amputation is a potential side effect if septicaemia (blood poisoning) occurs.
Vaccines are available against certain strains of bacteria that cause meningitis, such as tuberculosis.
Viral meningitis
Viral is rarely life-threatening but can cause long-lasting effects, such as headaches, fatigue and memory problems.
Thousands of people suffer from viral meningitis every year in the UK.
Treatment focuses on hydration, painkillers and rest.
Although ineffective, antibiotics may be given when patients arrive at hospital just in case they are suffering from the bacterial form of the disease.
Source: Meningitis Now
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