A man who was left with learning difficulties after being struck down by meningitis as a baby has received a boost from a national charity which helps people whose lives have been touched by the disease.

Simon Rothery was three months old when he contracted meningitis. Now aged 28 he struggles to read and write because of the effects of the disease which makes communicating difficult.

Now The Meningitis Trust has stepped in to fund new specialist computer software, a printer and speaker for Simon, of Low Moor, Bradford.

The new equipment allows him to interact through his computer as the new software works through voice recognition.

"It means a lot to me to get this equipment," said Simon, who works as a volunteer for The Meningitis Trust. "I can do more work on the computer now."

The Meningitis Trust, dedicated for 21 years to rebuilding lives shattered by the devastating disease, has funded this equipment through its financial supports grant service.

The Trust can provide financial grants for a variety of needs, including special equipment, travel or accommodation costs so people can go for treatment, care or training, funeral expenses and headstones.

Matthew Clarke, community development officer for the Meningitis Trust, said: "The financial grants can make a real life-changing difference to people whose lives have been touched by meningitis."

Grants are reviewed regularly and applicants need a supporting letter from a health professional to be eligible.

Simon supports the work of the Meningitis Trust by distributing the charity's free awareness information including the credit card sized symptom cards and leaflets throughout his local community.

The charity also raises awareness of meningitis and septicaemia through training programmes and offers practical support for life to people coping with the devastating after-effects.

Its services include a 24-hour freephone helpline led by specially trained nurses offering information and support in more than 100 languages on 0800 028 18 28.

Meningitis is a life-threatening infection which affects the membranes that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord. Meningitis and its associated disease, septicaemia (blood poisoning), can kill within hours and can affect anyone.

Common signs and symptoms include fever (cold hands and feet), vomiting, headache, stiff neck, dislike of bright lights, joint or muscle pain, drowsiness, confusion, and also, in babies, dislike of being handled, pale blotchy skin, unusual cry, and a blank staring expression. Both adults and children may have a rash (septicaemia) that doesn't fade under pressure. Symptoms can appear in any order and some may not appear at all.

For more information about the Meningitis Trust including its financial grants service as well as other support services that are available contact Matthew Clarke on 0845 120 4763 or via e-mail at matthewc@meningitis-trust.org