Matt Dawson has opened up about his two-year-old son’s traumatic battle with Meningitis.

The retired rugby player, 43, took to Twitter to share little Sami’s story, admitting that, despite it being upsetting one, it needed to be told.

Sharing a photo montage of Sami in the hospital, the presenter wrote: “The 2 weeks of hell we’ve just had cos of Meningitis. Sami lucky due to amazing people @GreatOrmondSt #vaccinateNOW [sic].

“We’re overwhelmed by all the messages for Sami. I ask one favour. Please read and sign so fewer kids suffer. Thx [sic].”

Matt then posted a link to a petition to vaccinate all children against Meningitis B – not just newborns.

And, thanking doctors for their quick thinking ahead of his baby’s diagnosis, Matt added: “I must also heap praise on @ChelWestFT for their superb A&E recognition of Sami’s disease. We’re indebted… #lifesavers #vaccinateNOW [sic].”

Matt and his wife Carolin Hauskeller are also parents to four-year-old son Alex.

The petition has gained over 250,000 signatures, following the tragic death of Faye Burdett – who passed away earlier this month after battling the illness for almost two weeks.

Currently the Meningitis B vaccine is available to newborn babies, with a two more doses at four and 12 months. But parents who want their older children to be vaccinated must pay for it to be done privately.