I AM writing to say "thank you" to everyone from Devon and Cornwall who supported the Meningitis Trust during 2009. It's only with the help of local communities that we are able to continue our vital work helping to rebuild lives shattered by meningitis.

The Meningitis Trust relies entirely on voluntary donations which means support from individuals, families, schools, nurseries and businesses is fundamental to its survival.

This time of the year is particularly relevant for talking about meningitis as cases of the disease rise in the winter. The Meningitis Trust urges people to be vigilant of the signs and symptoms and to trust their instincts.

Symptoms can include, fever, headache, stiff neck, dislike of bright lights, drowsiness, joint pain, vomiting, diarrhoea and, in some cases but not all, a rash that doesn't fade under pressure.

For more information, readers can call the Trust's freephone 24-hour helpline staffed by nurses on 0800 028 18 28 or log on to its website http://www.meningitis-trust.org">www.meningitis-trust.org .

Joanne Campbell

Community

Development Officer

South West and Channel Islands

Meningitis Trust

Fern House

Bath Road

Stroud

GL5 3TJ