A GROUP of young women have pledged to raise awareness of meningitis after losing a friend to the illness.

Shazia Ahmed, who lived in Falcon Close, Blackbird Leys, Oxford, died in February after contracting the bacterial form of the disease.

The 25-year-old mother-of-one had complained of feeling sick and dizzy and visited doctors when a rash appeared.

When doctors carried out the glass test, a method used to see if a patient has contracted the illness, Shazia’s rash disappeared – usually a sign it was not caused by Meningitis.

But LeTisha Ellis, from Garsington, believes the test may not have worked because of the dark tone of her friend’s skin.

She said: “Shazia was half Asian, and half white.

“She visited the doctor on the Saturday and by the following Thursday she had passed away.

“When the doctor carried out the glass test, the rash seemed to disappear, so she didn’t think she had it.

“I’ve since found out that when this test is done on people of colour, the rash can still disappear.”

Meningitis can affect the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It has two forms, viral and bacterial.

Viral meningitis is the most common and less serious, and is thought to affect about 3,000 people a year. But if bacterial meningitis is left untreated, it can cause severe brain damage, blood poisoning and death.

Ms Ellis said she and sisters Daniella and Reyna, and close friend Vanessa Jones, hadnow vowed to do all they could to raise awareness.

She said: “Shazia had a sweet personality that you were instantly drawn to, and her smile and laugh could lift anyone’s spirits.

“She was just a great person to be around. Maybe if there was more awareness she would still be here.”

The friends are now encouraging other young people – particularly students – to find out more about the disease and how to avoid it.

Reyna Ellis said: “Awareness is the key. I know of three people who have lost their lives to meningitis, all of different ages.

“But hopefully, more awareness can save others.”