A father has spoken of the 'big big hole' left in a family's life following the death of his daughter.

Natalie Naylor was 20 when she died from meningitis and since then her family has raised more than £100,000 for charities that fight terminal diseases.

Speaking to the Sutton Guardian ahead of National Meningitis Week, which runs from September 15 to 21, was Graham Naylor, 59, of Dell Close Wallington.

Mr Naylor said: "Our beautiful, intelligent and healthy daughter Natalie tragically, and unnecessarily, died at the age of 20 of meningococcal septicaemia.

"She was in her second year at university and had her whole life ahead of her.

"Emotionally it's on-going.

"They say time heals but it really doesn't. You just learn to cope better.

Natalie was a student at the University of Sussex when she fell ill on January 22. Two days later her she died.

He added: "We feel guilty that we took her to hospital and left her and she died. We struggle with it, both of us do, it doesn't take much and the tears are always there. You can get down and depressed.

"It's a big big hole and it will never be filled."

Since her death the family, mother Christine and brother James, has set up the Natalie Naylor Trust in her honour, they have gone to schools and university's to pass on advice and share their story to raise awareness of the condition.

The Meningitis Research Foundation estimates that meningitis and septicaemia affect around nine people in the UK and Ireland every day, often without warning, killing one in ten and leaving a quarter of survivors with life altering after-effects such as deafness, brain damage to loss of limbs.

Vaccines have almost eliminated some types of meningitis but not all of them, the charity said.

Christopher Head, chief executive of Meningitis Research Foundation adds: "We’re very grateful to Chris and Graham for supporting Meningitis Awareness Week.

"Meningitis and septicaemia are diseases you never expect to happen but sadly their personal experience really brings home how devastating these diseases can be and why it’s so important to be aware of the symptoms and be prepared to act fast when loved ones, family and friends fall sick."

According to the NHS symptoms include:

  • A fever, with cold hands and feet
  • Vomiting Drowsiness and difficulty waking up
  • Confusion and irritability
  • Severe muscle pain
  • Pale, blotchy skin, and a distinctive rash (although not everyone will have this)
  • A severe headache
  • Stiff neck
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Convulsion or seizures

The glass test

Press the side of a clear glass firmly against the skin. If the rash doesn't fade, it's a sign of meningococcal septicaemia.

A fever with a rash that does not fade under pressure is a medical emergency.