LONG-TERM meningitis campaigner Steve Dayman had his monumental efforts rewarded when he was given an award at the Pride of Britain awards.

At the televised show he was presented with a special recognition award for his efforts in tackling the disease.

Steve, from Alveston, launched the meningitis movement in the UK after his son, Spencer, died in 1982 after contracting the disease.

He founded the charity Spencer Dayman Meningitis UK in 1999 and through his tireless fundraising has helped fund millions of pounds of research.

The charity became Meningitis Now after merging with another charity and is now based in Stroud.

He was presented his award by Labour party leader, Ed Miliband, who praised Steve’s commitment to fighting the disease.

Steve, who received his statue from Labour Party leader Ed Miliband and his wife Justine, attended the evening with some family including wife Gloria.

Mr Miliband said: “Steve is an incredible guy, there are so many people hearing his story and thinking how would I deal with that tragedy?

He added: "There are thousands of children across the country who don’t know your name, but whose lives have been saved thanks to you."

Steve helped to fund a £2.5million meningitis laboratory at the Bristol University’s School of Medical Science which was opened in 2002.

Steve said: "It's an absolute honour to be recognised in this way on the national stage – I'm humbled, but the fight is bigger than one man.

"This honour is tribute to Spencer and the thousands of families touched by the trauma meningitis causes.

"I will not stop because I want this dreaded disease eradicated, so no one else feels the pain I and so many others have felt."

In March, this year, it was announced that a new vaccination for the most common form of the disease, Meningitis B, would be included in the childhood immunisation programme.

To donate to Meningitis Now visit: http://www.meningitisnow.org/donate/.