A MOTHER from Malmesbury who lost her daughter to meningitis is urging all parents to make sure their children are vaccinated before they head off to university.

Julia Styles lost her 19-year-old daughter Emily on New Year’s Day 2014 and a vaccine that would have saved her but wasn’t available then is now offered free on the NHS.

The meningitis ACWY vaccine protects against four strains of the disease as well as septicaemia and Julia is pleading for parents to also consider the mengingitis B vaccine which is usually given to babies.

She said: “As a parent, we look after our children and all too soon the time comes for them to go out into the world and take their first steps into the next stage of their lives.

“I’d like to say good luck to everyone preparing to go off to university.

“Please get the ACWY vaccine.

“Meningitis took my daughter Emily’s life in about six hours.

“She had no rash at all and her symptoms of headache, cold hands and feet were so similar to those of a migraine or sickness.

“Please understand how vital this is, there were no vaccinations available then but there are now.”

The NHS advises all fresher students to have the jab before they go to university, which can be obtained by contacting their GP.