When Tim Dawson took his 4-year-old daughter Millie to school last Friday, it seemed like it was going to be just like any other day.
His little girl was "bright as usual and full of life” when he kissed her goodbye - and he went about his day as normal.
But, just a few hours later, the school phoned to say that Millie was feeling unwell.
Tim rushed to pick her up, taking her to a doctor to get checked out.
Detailing how events spiralled from there, Tim wrote on Facebook:
At 12pm she was seen by a doctor who prescribed calpol and rest.
At 1pm she started vomiting but was still drinking water.
At 4.30pm she was sleepy and still vomiting.
By 5.30pm she was almost unresponsive.
At this point there was NO rash.
At 6.15pm she was taken to A&E where on immediate inspection spots were found. They developed within a matter of minutes.
24 hours later, we are in Manchester Children's hospital in Intensive Care.
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10153662088631240&id=683336239 > >
Posted by [Millie's Meningitis Update Page](https://www.facebook.com/Milliesupdate/) on [Saturday, October 24, 2015](https://www.facebook.com/Milliesupdate/posts/1622197314712121)
In just 24 hours, Millie had gone from being bright and full of life to being sedated and put on a ventilator for emergency treatment.
Tim and his wife Louise were stunned by how quickly Millie became deathly ill — she was unresponsive by 5:30 p.m.
And, most worryingly of all, she did not display the rash consistent with bacterial meningitis until after she was taken to the hospital.
Sharing images of her rash, Tim wrote on Facebook: “These images shows the type of spots, they are NOT as commonly advertised. They are more like small bruises or scratches.
“Luckily it seems we have caught it in time and although Millie is currently sedated and on a ventilator, her signs are promising.
“Louise and I are really grateful for all the support we have already received, especially from Sean and Chrissy.
“We are continuing to keep our fingers crossed that she makes a full recovery with no side effects. Please look at the pictures of the spots so you may recognise them if you see them.”
Bacterial meningitis is an infection of the protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord.
According to the NHS, babies and young children under the age of five are at the highest risk from the disease.
A baby or child with meningitis may display such symptoms as:
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Having a high fever, with cold hands and feet
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Vomiting and and refusing to feed
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Feeling agitated and not wanting to be picked up
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Becoming drowsy, floppy and unresponsive
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Grunting or breathing rapidly
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Having an unusual high-pitched or moaning cry
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Having pale, blotchy skin, and a red rash that doesn't fade when a glass is rolled over it
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Having a tense, bulging soft spot on their head (fontanelle)
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Having a stiff neck and dislike bright lights
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Having convulsions or seizures
They add: “Again, these symptoms can appear in any order, and not everyone will get all of them.
“Don't wait for a rash to develop. Seek immediate medical help if someone is unwell and displays the symptoms of meningitis.”
Feels like a lifetime but Millie has finally been discharged from hospital to continue her recovery at home. > >
Posted by [Millie's Meningitis Update Page](https://www.facebook.com/Milliesupdate/) on [Tuesday, October 27, 2015](https://www.facebook.com/Milliesupdate/photos/a.1621997138065472.1073741827.1621993678065818/1623016997963486/?type=3)
Thankfully Millie has made a significant recovery, and has since been removed from the ventilator so that she can continue her recovery at home.
Tim and Louise are asking that people share Millie's story to raise awareness about the dangers of bacterial meningitis.
They have also asked that, if people wish, they donate money to help the hospital that helped Millie get an emergency helipad, so children in critical condition can get treatment even faster.