The parents of a baby who died of meningitis just three hours after falling ill have warned of the speed at which the illness strikes.

Sarah Redman, aged 14 months, died from meningococcal septicaemia on December 20 after her parents rushed her to Colchester General Hospital when she developed a rash and sickness.

She was going to be transferred to St Mary's Hospital in London once her condition stabilised, but she died in Colchester.

Her father Gary Redman, 39, of Hawkwood Road, Sible Hedingham, who runs the Sportsman's Club in Halstead, said: "It was very sudden.

"She was very ill by the time she got to hospital. We must have got to the hospital about 9.30am or 10am and she died at 12.30pm.

"She was very, very ill, very quickly."

He added: "She never complained or grizzled. She was a lovely child. She never cried."

Sarah's mother Lindsey, 30, of Monksdown Road, Coggeshall, said: "There were no signs except that she was sick. That was the only symptom and there was a rash. We rushed her straight to hospital."

The family have four other children - David, 12, John, six, Edward, five, and three-year-old James.

Mrs Redman said she had read the leaflets she had previously been given at hospital and heard warnings before, but nothing could prepare parents for the speed at which the illness strikes.

She added the symptoms of meningitis are like other illnesses which are common in childhood, such as vomiting.

Like all babies Sarah had been sick before, she said.

Mrs Redman said she hoped other parents would be aware of the risks of the illness and the need to get urgent medical attention quickly, especially as babies cannot tell their carers what is wrong.

She added: "She was a very happy little girl and she will be missed by us all. She was such a good baby."

The coroner has been informed but an inquest will not be held. The funeral service is tomorrow (Thursday) at St Peter ad Vincula Church, Coggeshall.

Sarah Redman, aged 14 months, who died from meningococcal septicaemia

By Julia Gregory

Reporter's e-mail: julia_gregory@thisisessex.co.uk

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