REGIONAL rail provider Great Western Railway (GWR) will be helping raise awareness of meningitis by including information cards with each new railcard issued at Gloucestershire stations.

Everyone from a 16-25 years Railcard holder to passengers with a Senior Railcard will receive a wallet-sized guide by Meningitis Now to identify the life-threatening disease.

Meningitis affects people of all ages, with young children, teenagers and over 55s most at risk. The charity Meningitis Now hopes that the inclusion in railcards will be a way to target these groups.

Many do not recognise the early signs of the disease including a severe headache, vomiting, muscle pain and a fever with cold hands and feet. They may think it only applies to children and babies.

Anyone with the information card, or who has downloaded the free Meningitis Now app, would know to seek medical help immediately.

Recognising the early symptoms and receiving treatment can be the difference between life and death.

Vicky Cropper, community and events manager at GWR said: “Including Signs and Symptoms cards will raise awareness of the disease and the charity to thousands of our customers who travel on the Great Western Railway.

"We have been working with Meningitis Now, for a number of years now and we are very proud of what we have achieved together.”

Meningitis Now saves lives and rebuilds futures through research, awareness and support.

To request its free signs and symptoms card or download the free app visit www.meningitis.now.org or call the charity’s freephone helpline on 0808 80 10 388.