I was sorry to read the Editor's Letter on the July 13, 2006 from Neil and Rose Sinnett about their 18 month-old grandson who was taken ill with pneumococcal meningitis in May, but am glad to hear he is now back at home and on the road to recovery. It is so encouraging to read that the staff at the hospitals have been personally thanked after doing such a good job.

Meningitis and meningococcal septicaemia are such cruel and complicated diseases. In most cases they happen so quickly there is little time to realise something is seriously wrong. Sadly, although successful vaccines exist to protect against some forms of meningitis, there is still no vaccine to protect against all strains of the disease, including the most common - Meningitis B.

Meningitis UK has supporters throughout the country, many of whom have suffered the devastation meningitis and meningococcal septicaemia can cause. Together we hope to find a vaccine to eradicate these cruel diseases which can strike with little or no warning and kill in hours. If we can offer any support to any of your readers, please do not hesitate to contact us. We would also like to hear from families who have been affected by meningitis who would like to help or from anyone wanting to support us in our search for a vaccine. Please call Meningitis UK on 0117 373 7373 or visit www.meningitisUK.org

Verity Thomas, Meningitis UK, Cleeve Wood Road, Bristol.