A CAMPAIGNER from Dursley is celebrating the roll out of a lifesaving meningitis B vaccine.

Aurelie Brunet-Lua, a community ambassador for Meningitis Now, has supported the charity’s Beat it Now! campaign to see the ground-breaking vaccine introduced free on the NHS.

From September 1 the UK becomes the first country in the world to offer its newborn babies the new vaccine Bexsero via a national health service.

Aurelie said: “I’m thrilled that we now have this vaccine being used to protect our newborn babies.

“So many lives and so much misery will now be spared.

“I know only too well how cruel this disease can be and I don’t want other local families to go through what we have.”

Aurelie has been involved with the charity as a community ambassador since her son Mattia contracted meningococcal septicaemia in January 2011.

“He has thankfully made a good recovery after I spotted the symptoms and contacted our GP straight away,” she said.

“I share Meningitis Now’s ambition to protect everyone against all forms of the disease one day.”

The vaccine has been welcomed by Stroud based-Meningitis Now’s chief executive Sue Davie “We’re delighted to reach this milestone - it’s a tribute to our supporters’ selfless and tireless efforts,” she said.

“However, we can’t lose sight of the fact that for many the roll out comes too late. We’re here for them for as long as they need us.”

Sue also sounded a note of caution.

“Whilst this is good news – this does not mean meningitis is beaten.

“Our message is ‘don’t become complacent about meningitis’ – there are still not vaccines for all types.”

For more information, visit www.MeningitisNow.org.