A woman who has first-hand experience of the devastation that meningitis can cause is working to spread awareness across the UK.

The disease first hit Julie Tucker's family when her brother in law suddenly died from the disease on Boxing Day seven years ago.

Ms Tucker of Mill Hill, is a regional ambassador for the Meningitis Research Foundation (MRF) and talks at universities, colleges and charities to spread awareness.

Ms Tucker said: “People think only babies are affected by this, but my brother in law, Marcel Felimond, was 36.

“We were all at my mother’s home for Christmas in 2009 when Marcel said he was feeling ill. He died on Boxing Day, leaving my sister and her two children in shock. Their lives still aren’t the same.

“It was only when the hospital tested for diseases that we learnt he had died from contracting meningococcal septicaemia. But he was healthy, he was an Adonis of athleticism. That is why I spread the word, to let more people know.

“If people do not recognise the symptoms, it could lead to catastrophe. If you catch it there is a possibility of making a full recovery, but it is a matter of life and death."

Julie attended the London 2012 Paralympic game and supported athletes Jonni Peacock and Aaron Phipps.

Jonni lost this right leg to meningitis at the age of five and Aaron suffered from meningococcal septicaemia at 15-years-old, resulting in below the knee amputations in both legs.

Meningitis Awareness Week runs from September 19 to 26 and is organised by MRF.

MRF chief executive Vinny Smith said they are grateful to Julie for raising awareness.

Mr Smith said: "MRF funds vital scientific research into the prevention, detection and treatment of meningitis and septicaemia but there are still some forms of the disease which are not covered by vaccines so it is vital that people are aware of the symptoms.

"We encourage everyone to be vigilant and to get medical help if you spot the symptoms."

The charity estimates that on average around 3,200 cases of meningitis and septicaemia are reported every year in the UK.

These diseases kill one in ten people and though babies, toddlers and young adults are most at risk, it can hit anyone at any time.

To check the symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia visit the website at www.meningitis.org/symptoms.