PARENTS of a boy who almost died of meningitis last Christmas have taken their battle for action to Parliament.

Four-year-old Charlie Edmondson was struck down with meningitis B and spent eight days in intensive care before regaining starting to regain his health.

After hearing about his parents' campaign for more immunisation against the disease, their MP, David Nuttall, who represents Bury North, spoke about Charlie's ordeal during a moving debate on the topic at Westminster on April 25.

Delighted that Charlie's story was told to dozens of MPs and to the nation, his mother Rose now wants ministers to make a vaccine more widely available.

What Bury North MP David Nuttall told Parliament about 4-year-old boy who almost died of meningitis

Rose, aged 35, of Bournville Drive, Starling, said: "It's great that newborns are getting the vaccine and that will save lives, but it should be given to all children of all ages. I'm glad this important topic is being discussed at the highest level," said Mrs Edmondson.

Charlie was preparing to celebrate Christmas with his mum, dad Mike, aged 36, his twin sister Olivia and his six-year-old sister Elizabeth, on December 15 when he fell ill.

His mum used Calpol to reduce his temperature, but his condition deteriorated the next day and Rose became concerned when she found a rash on his arm.

After speaking with Mike, Rose called 999 and Charlie was taken to Royal Bolton Hospital.

He was transferred to Alder Hey Children's Hospital in Liverpool and put in an induced coma.

Charlie was allowed home on Christmas Day, but returned to hospital shortly afterwards suffering ankle and hip problems, as meningitis has scarred his bones.

He was unable to walk unaided until March and must undergo regular checks for the next few years.

Rose said: "Charlie is a cheeky chap and his dad and I so grateful that he has recovered and he can retain his wonderful personality.

"One of the most heartbreaking things was having to explain to his sisters where he was. It was a really horrible time for the family.

"We got a lot of help from the Meningitis Now charity and I have connected with a lot of other parents via its online forum."

One case that captured the hearts of parents across the country was that of two-year-old Kent girl Faye Burdett, who died of meningitis B on Valentine's Day.

Since then, more than 820,000 people have signed a petition calling for all children — not just babies — to be immunised.

At the end of the April 25 debate, Parliamentary Under Secretary for Health Jane Ellison said the issue would be kept under constant review.

She added: "Raising awareness (of meningitis B symptoms) and ensuring quick treatment will always remain very important, so parents and healthcare professionals need to remain alert to the signs and symptoms of the disease — as was brought out in the moving speed by Mr Nuttall, when he walked about the attentiveness of Charlie's mum as she monitored his symptoms."

Mrs Ellison said she would work with Public Health England to develop a national awareness campaign, working with experts and charities, and rolled out before October when meningitis B cases peak.

Rose welcomed the move and added: "Three more children have died since Faye and even one child's death is one too many.

"I hope that MPs will push for more immunisation and keep the issue alive."

Rose praised Meningitis Now, Royal Bolton Hospital and Alder Hey Children's Hospital for their efforts.

She added: "They all did an amazing job and we’re extremely grateful to have Charlie home with us."