I WAS distressed to read your article (LET, June 19) regarding the tragic death of little Kourtney Burns, aged two, from suspected meningitis.

I would like to express my sincere sympathies to all her family and friends. Having lost my own little boy through meningococcal septicaemia some time ago, I can well imagine the sorrow of everyone concerned.

For the last 17 years I have dedicated my life to create a better understanding of this terrible disease. Meningococcal meningitis and septicaemia is such a cruel and complicated disease.

The Spencer Dayman Meningitis Laboratories were set up last year in the School of Medical Sciences at the University of Bristol, under the leadership of Professor Mumtaz Virji, who has been involved with investigations into meningococcal disease for the past 10 years.

This pioneering research unit has already gained a worldwide reputation in this field. For further information about this terrible disease or about this charity, please contact me,

STEVE DAYMAN, Operations Officer, Spencer Dayman Meningitis Laboratories, Fundraising Office, 592 Fishponds Road, Bristol BS16 3DA.