THE mum of a baby who was struck down with meningitis is urging parents to check on their children through the night if they are unwell.

Seven month old Louie Jenkins, of New Bath Street, Colne had his legs amputated from below the knee, the fingers on his left hand and the tips of his fingers on his right hand, after becoming ill with the deadly disease.

His mother Julie, 29 was praised by doctors for her quick reaction after spotting two pin prick marks on his chest.

Only an hour later he was in Airedale General hospital in Steeton covered in the tell tale rash, which does not change colour or disappear when a glass is placed against it.

Doctors said that if Julie had not spotted the signs of meningitis Louie would not have made it through to the morning.

She said: “I would urge parents to check on their children if they become ill, if they have a temperature it is important that they should strip them down and check them for signs of a rash. Often the rash is one of the last signs of meningitis.”

Julie has organised a fundraiser event called ‘the big chocolate tea party’ on Saturday, April 28, at Foulridge Village Hall.