A TODDLER who lost both her hands and almost her life to a killer disease has been reunited with the paramedics who saved her.

Tilly Lockey turned from a happy and contented baby to critically ill in an hour after developing meningitis in January.

But the one-year-old, from Consett, County Durham, battled back from the brink of death, coming off a ventilator, and eventually returning home.

However, Tilly still has a long recovery ahead and, sadly, both her hands had to be amputated.

Yesterday, Tilly's mother and the paramedics who saved her spoke about the horrors of meningitis and their hopes for Tilly's future.

Sarah Lockey realised something was badly wrong when Tilly developed a purple rash, which spread from head to foot in an hour.

She dialled 999 and paramedics Don Brannigan and Billy White were first on the scene.

Ms Lockey said: "When the ambulance arrived, I rushed her on board. The paramedics examined Tilly and knew straight away what her illness could be.

"They were so calm and comforting, as well as being 100 per cent professional and saving my little girl's life."

Mr White said: "Tilly was lying in her mum's arms. She was covered in purple's blotches and I could tell something was seriously wrong."

Mr Brannigan said: "The spots were developing in front or our eyes. We got to the University Hospital of North Durham in about 17 minutes and then about 18 or 19 people worked on her. She was very seriously ill."

Tilly had meningococcal septicaemia - a life-threatening condition. The quicker it is recognised and treated, the better the outcome for the patient, and it was only thanks to the high level of skill and quick thinking of the medics that Tilly survived.

Mr White and Mr Brannigan returned to Tilly's home to meet her four months later.

Mr Brannigan, 53, who has been a paramedic for 20 years, said: "She is a beautiful little thing and she was very bouncy. Tilly's story has touched Billy and I, and we wanr to stay in touch and follow her progress."

Ms Lockey said: "I will be eternally grateful for what they did for Tilly. She is here today and its all thanks to Billy White and Don Brannigan, who were on the ball and took control in a extremely difficult situation."

Mr Brannigan urged all parents to seek immediate medical attention if they suspect their child has meningitis.