A mother-of-three is hoping to raise awareness of meningitis in adults after she was affected by the infection at the age of 27.

Like many people, Santana Huckle was unaware that the condition impacted adults and was only concerned about it affecting her children.

The 28-year-old, who lives in Watton, said she was shocked when she was diagnosed with viral meningitis and now plans to help raise awareness so other people know what to look out for.

Miss Huckle said in July last year she started to feel as if she had no energy, felt sick and had a bad headache.

'I was very poorly for four days before I rang NHS 111,' She said. 'I had a headache and I just thought I had been in the sun too long.

'The pharmacist said I could have a severe migraine. But I went home and then rung 111 and they said it could be serious and they got an ambulance. When the paramedics came I was in a lot of pain and I could not life my head up.'

Miss Huckle was taken to the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital where she spent two days.

She spent a further three weeks recovering in bed at home and says she still feels the affects of the condition - which can take a year to fully recover from.

Miss Huckle, who is studying for an English and Social Science degree, said: 'At the moment I've got a cough. I catch everything going. It's not something you recover quickly from.

'You feel tired all the time. The headaches only stopped in November. When I had them, I would come home from college and go to bed because I was so tired.'

The student will be running the Brighton Marathon on Sunday to raise money and awareness for the Meningitis Research Foundation.

'When I speak to people they say 'I didn't realise that adults can get it',' she said. 'Having three children, I was always worried about them getting meningitis. And then it was me that got it.

'I want to raise awareness more than money.

'I am quite looking forward to it but the nerves are kicking in now.'

To sponsor Santana Huckle visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Santana-huckle

Meningitis in adults

Meningitis can affect anyone, at any age, at any time.

It is the inflammation of the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord.

It can cause life-threatening blood poisoning (septicaemia).

The two most common types are viral and bacterial.

Bacterial meningitis is more serious and can be life threatening. It is caused by a range of different bacteria.

Viral meningitis is rarely life-threatening but can leave people with long-lasting after-effects, including headaches, fatigue and memory problems.

Common signs include fever, cold hands and feet; vomiting; severe headache; severe muscle pain, and confusion and irritability.

People should not wait for a rash to appear.

Early symptoms can include fever, headache, vomiting, muscle pain and fever with cold hands and feet.

For more information visit http://www.meningitis.org/ or https://www.meningitisnow.org/