A PETITION calling for better assessments for meningitis has exceeded its target by collecting more than 10,000 signatures.

Justin Tomlinson MP has welcomed the news that the Meningitis Trust petition calling for better assessments for meningitis survivors has reached its target.

The campaign behind the petition calls for automatic assessments and appropriate educational support to become routine for every child who survives meningitis.

Many children may appear to have made a full recovery but are often left with psychological and neurological problems that may go unrecognised.

These children can be left struggling at school and deprived of the educational support they need.

Scottie Kern, of Oakhurst, who lost his 11-month-old son Cailan to pneumococcal meningitis and septicaemia in 2009, has also supported the campaign to lobby the Government into approving a new jab for the childhood immunisation schedule, as soon as one that is safe and effective is available.

The petition has to date, over 12,000 signatories and counting and will be presented to Downing Street on July 7.

Justin Tomlinson MP signed the petition at its parliamentary launch last October.

He said “It is great news that this petition has passed its target of 10,000 signatures.

“This is a testament to the resonance that this issue clearly has and the importance of the issue to many people.

“We are now a step closer to seeing the right support targeted at survivors of this terrible illness.”

Christopher Head, chief executive of MRF, said: “Counting the Cost of Meningitis shows how those who survive can struggle to come to terms with the impact of these horrific diseases which change lives forever.

“Our campaign makes practical recommendations to Government to reduce the burden of disease through vaccination in the UK.

“I appeal to the people of Swindon to sign our petition too and join the fight against meningitis and septicaemia.”

To sign the MRF’s petition please visit www.meningitis.org/sign-petition.