THREE years after her sister's death from meningitis, a fitness club owner is helping to fight the disease.

Since Sarah Yorke, from Bishop Auckland, lost her 22-year-old sister, Hannah, she has campaigned to save lives by stressing the need for early diagnosis and prompt treatment of meningitis.

Friends and relatives Hannah, who lived with fiance John Graham in Spennymoor, have raised money for research and for South Cleveland Hospital, where she died.

Now Sarah, 26, is starting a three-month fit club at her Yorke Fitness gym complex in Linthorpe Road, Middlesbrough, asking clients to do a weekly workout to support the hospital's intensive therapy unit.

She said: "I also want to keep meningitis in people's minds. It is important that people recognise the symptoms if someone is ill, because early diagnosis is vital."

Sarah and her family will never know whether Hannah would still be alive if her condition had been recognised earlier. She had been sent home from urgent care centre at Bishop Auckland General Hospital when doctors attributed her illness to a cold or stomach bug.

Two hours later John notices bruise marks on her skin and called an ambulance.

For information telephone Sarah Yorke on (01642) 254447. The Meningitis Research Foundation offers an information pack and has a free 24-hour helpline on 080 8800 3344.