Advice on meningitis for Perth shoppers

PERTH SHOPPERS are to be warned about the early symptoms of meningitis, thanks to the brave efforts of one local dad.

Alan Glynn launched a nationwide roadshow yesterday at Asda on Dunkeld Road to raise awareness of the devastating disease, which claimed the life of his toddler daughter.

Little Alexis Rose was just 19-months-old when she passed away in the cot she shared with her twin sister Christina.

The girls were born nearly three months prema- ture at 2lb 12oz, but fought hard and reached each milestone — to the delight of their family. But menin- gitis hit “fun-loving” Alexis Rose when she and Christina were recovering from a sickness bug.

A local GP had advised that the pair appeared fine as they were drinking and eating — but the illness ravaged Alexis Rose’s body with such speed that she passed away in her sleep just hours after Alan (32) and mum Ruth (35) kissed her goodnight.

A rash appeared on her abdomen overnight and the speed of it all is something the parents struggled to get their heads around.

Mr Glynn, who has helped raise more than £28,000 for charity since the tragedy, joined Meningitis UK founder Steve Dayman yesterday to launch the nine-day awareness drive.

A giant trailer will be parked outside the superstore to highlight the disease’s symptoms and the need to act quickly.

Free wallet-sized symptom cards will also be available.

Meningitis UK founder Steve Dayman (left) and Alan Glynn launch the nationwide roadshow in Perth.