The CEO of a prominent charity has praised a Bristol independent pharmacy for raising awareness of meningitis and its symptoms.

Ade Williams and his team Bedminster Pharmacy in south Bristol marked World Meningitis Day yesterday (24 April) by wearing orange t-shirts, blowing up balloons and handing out Meningitis Now signs and symptoms cards and information leaflets.

Their efforts drew praise from Meningitis Now CEO Dr Tom Nutt CEO at Meningitis Now, who said: ‘Raising awareness of the signs and symptoms of meningitis is vitally important, and this support on World Meningitis Day is a great opportunity to reach the South Bristol community with disease information.

‘We would encourage and welcome other community pharmacies to work with us, because together we can make a big difference.’

Mr Williams said: ‘World meningitis day is a great day to begin raising awareness of the disease - meningitis can affect people of all ages not just babies and children.

‘Providing information about the signs and symptoms of the disease in community pharmacy will help to save lives. Our initiative also supports the NHS England campaign encouraging families to visit and use their community pharmacy more.’