A DARWEN couple are warning parents that the killer meningitis virus could strike their children.

Neil and Shirley Williamson spoke of their relief and joy after their baby daughter Natalya fought back from the brink of death after developing meningococcal septicaemia.

Now safely back at home with her two brothers Kyle, four, and Brandon, two, Neil and Shirley of Queen Street want to warn other parents that it could happen to them.

Neil, 32, a self-employed painter and decorator said: "A lot of parents think it will never happen to their children and are not prepared for what could happen. I believe they should be made aware of the early symptoms.

"We weren't too sure ourselves but reacted on instinct and doctors said that's what saved her life."

He added: "We thought we were going to lose her. The first 48 hours were complete hell for us and it was really touch and go."

The couple's nightmare began at 3am on December 27 when Natalya, now 16-weeks-old, unusually awoke from her sleep. She was cold so mum Shirley gave her a hot water bottle.

When she refused her first feed at 8am and had a temperature of 103 they knew something was wrong.

Neil recalled: "We phoned Queens Park and they gave us an appointment later that day. But we knew we had to act immediately and rushed her to the Infirmary."

Doctors realised the seriousness of Natalya's illness and she was taken to Queens Park before being transferred to Royal Manchester Children Hospital. She remained in intensive care for 10 days.

Shirley, 26, said: "We've since been told by another doctor that if we had waited for that later appointment, Natalya would not be with us now.

"By the time she had got to Queens Park the tell tale rash was showing which not only bruises the skin but her internal organs as well. Usually from there it is a downward spiral but Natalya bounced back."

Natalya remained in hospital for a further 10 days before doctors gave her the all-clear to return home.

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