AWARENESS packs are being sent to schools to help save the lives of children struck by meningitis.

National charity Meningitis UK will be sending out the packs to more than 100 Teesside schools.

The charity has launched the scheme to thank local families for donating thousands of pounds towards research.

Terry and Sue Laing lost their 24-year-old daughter Helen to meningococcal septicaemia in May 2001. The couple have since raised nearly £30,000 by organising an annual sponsored walk in memory of Helen in Osmotherly, North Yorkshire.

Neil and Jayne Pickard, who lost their five-year old daughter Laura to meningitis and meningococcal septicaemia in June 2001, have also raised hundreds of pounds.

Both families are supporting the launch of the pack.

Mr Laing said: "Being aware of these diseases is key to preventing other families suffering the devastation they can cause.

"We hope people will continue supporting Helen's Walk and the work of Meningitis UK to help fund public education and vaccine research to stop these heartbreaking diseases."

Meningitis UK chief executive Steve Dayman said: "Meningitis can kill in a matter of hours. In the absence of the vaccines we desperately need, early identification of the symptoms of the disease and prompt hospital treatment can mean the difference between life and death."

The packs contain a fridge magnet listing symptoms, a question and answers leaflet, a poster, a wallet-sized symptoms card and a questionnaire to see how much schools know about the disease.

For more information or to make a donation, phone (0117) 373 7373 or visit www. meningitisuk.or