A THREE-year-old boy struck down with a deadly form of meningitis has amazed parents with his impressive recovery.

A few weeks ago Athan Mahoney was fighting for his life after contracting meningococcal septicaemia.

He managed to beat the disease, but the ordeal may have taken its toll on his already poor health, which includes regular chest infections, eczema and possible arthritis in his left knee.

His mother, Susan McGahern, 33, of Myrtle Road, Primrose Hill, Stockton, said she feared the worst one day several weeks ago when his condition suddenly deteriorated.

She said: "He was burning up and hallucinating and kept on saying he could see spiders. He's often ill, but this was much worse.

"He couldn't move from his neck down so we called his doctor, who told us to take him to hospital."

Medical tests revealed he had a form of meningitis that, if treated unsuccessfully, could lead to amputation of his arms or legs.

She added: "It was terrifying. He was put on drips straight away and I cried for two days, but luckily he pulled through."

Athan must now return to hospital for regular check-ups because doctors suspect he could have arthritis in his knee. The illness has also affected his speech, which doctors predict will return to normal slowly.