An Egremont couple whose 16-year-old daughter died of meningitis are to become charity ambassadors.

Pauline and Tony Bell, of Fell View Drive, were named as ambassadors for Meningitis Research Foundation across the county.

Their daughter, Lisa, died in 2006 less than 36 hours after showing any symptoms.

The couple have since raised thousands of pounds and campaigned to raise awareness of the disease.

Pauline said: “Lisa died from meningitis when she was just 16. We were

supported by Meningitis Research Foundation and with the amazing support of the community raised £40,337.42 in her memory.

"We want to ensure children are protected against all forms of this terrible disease and that no family has to go through the heartbreak we did and still do every day.

"We are honoured to be asked to promote the work of MRF in Cumbria as Ambassadors as they have supported us so much since Lisa passed away.”

MRF Ambassadors are active members of the charity who all have personal experience of the diseases. Pauline and Tony have been specially selected to give a more formal representation across the county and allow the charity more opportunities to spread awareness and fundraise in local communities.

"When Lisa became poorly I knew there was something really wrong,'' Pauline said. "But the first doctor came and just told me to give her two paracetomels. Lisa wasn't being a drama queen, she was very ill.

"I would like to say to parents to get the doctors to listen to them. I was Lisa's mother, and I knew best. I had never seen her be so unwell.''

The couple also support a book exchange facility at Sellafield's B314 canteen, which sees workers swap books and donate to the charity.

In March, Meningitis Research Foundation (MRF) celebrated the news that a vaccine against meningococcal meningitis type B (MenB), one of the most feared and deadly forms of the disease, will be offered to babies for free under the NHS.

However, the charity said it remains concerned that there is no catch-up campaign for toddlers and no recommendation for teenagers, the second highest ‘at risk’ group, to be routinely vaccinated.

Vinny Smith, chief executive of Meningitis Research Foundation said: “We are delighted that Pauline and Tony have agreed to represent the work we do in Cumbria.

"We now have 64 Ambassadors in England and they take on a variety of roles from organising their own events, speaking to the local

media about our latest campaigns to giving talks in nurseries, schools and colleges across the region.”

Meningitis and septicaemia are easily mistaken for milder illnesses, but can kill within hours or cause life-long disabilities.

Children under five and students are most at risk, but the diseases can strike at any age and not all forms are covered by vaccines.