I WAS touched by your article, “Big day nears for Robbie’s mother” (Echo, June 11) and I would like to applaud the courage of two-year-old Robbie Jones and his mum, Jill Graham, who have come through an incredibly tough time after Robbie suffered from life-threatening meningitis.

On behalf of Meningitis Research Foundation (MRF) I’d like to send Jill and her fiance, Wayne Jones, our best regards for a fantastic wedding in Durham on July 4.

I’d also like to praise the generosity of readers of The Northern Echo and the people of Durham who have donated £90,000 towards ongoing care for Robbie, who lost both legs to the disease. The after-effects of meningitis can last a lifetime and can be extremely costly, so it is heart-warming to see such an incredible response from the local community.

It’s vitally important to be aware of the symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia – devastating diseases which claim six lives per week in the UK.

MRF provides free printed and electronic symptoms information on our website – meningitis.org – and over the phone through our Freephone 24-hour helpline on 080 8800 3344.

Harpinder Collacott, Meningitis Research Foundation, Bristol.