A HEARTBROKEN mum who lost her treasured young daughter to a form of blood poisoning a decade ago has spoken of how she still struggles to come to terms with the tragedy.

Little Ellie Walker, who was just three, died ten years ago this month from streptococcal septicaemia.

Her mum, Andrea, says that whilst the pain she feels has eased with time, it never goes away.

"They say that time is a great healer and to an extent that's true – but that pain stays there," says Mrs Walker, of Bar Lane, Riddlesden.

"It's particularly difficult on significant dates, such as on the anniversary of Ellie's death and her birthday, and of course at Christmas.

"She would have been a teenager now and I often wonder what sort of person and personality she'd have become were she still here."

Mrs Walker says the tragic events of January 14, 2013, are "still etched vividly on my mind".

"Ellie had started snuffling but I just thought it was the beginning of a cold – there are so many colds and other germs around at that time of year," she said. "There was no reason to think it was anything else. I gave her some Calpol and put her to bed."

She checked on Ellie later that night, but when she went to wake her the following morning the toddler was unresponsive. Frantic attempts to resuscitate her were unsuccessful.

After extensive tests, the cause of Ellie’s death was recorded as streptococcal septicaemia.

Since the tragedy, Mrs Walker – a Keighley town councillor – has campaigned to raise awareness of the symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia, illnesses which can kill within hours.

And she is marking the tenth anniversary by once again spotlighting the dangers.

"Because there are lots of colds and viruses around at this time it’s particularly important that people are able to recognise what could be meningitis and seek help urgently,” says Mrs Walker, 56.

"I don't want any other parent to have to go through what I've been through.

"Be on the look for anything untoward and my message would be 'if in doubt, get it checked out'.

"Whilst coping with the loss of Ellie is still incredibly difficult, raising awareness and helping to prevent other parents going through the same anguish has helped."

Symptoms of meningitis can include a high temperature, cold hands and feet, vomiting, spots or a rash and a stiff neck.

For more details, visit meningitisnow.org.