Mrs and Ms Scale to scale three peaks in Hannah's memory

WITH a fitting surname and address – a courageous mother and daughter will conquer three mountains in memory of a ‘bubbly’ west Wales girl who died of meningitis earlier this year.

Popular 18-year-old Hannah Gwilliam, of Glan Cleddau, Burton, Milford Haven, tragically lost her battle to the meningococcal group B strain on January 26, 2012.

Hannah, who was originally from Hampton, was a talented artist and was completing an Art and Design foundation diploma at Pembrokeshire College.

She had not been her usual bubbly self at college and woke early the next morning with a high temperature, headache and aching limbs - classic flu symptoms.

As no rash was present, neither Hannah nor her parents Roy and Ann suspected meningitis.

But later that night her headache became worse and she was rushed to A&E by ambulance, where her condition quickly deteriorated and she died the next day.

It was one of the fastest meningococcal cases ever.

In her memory, Elaine and Llawela Scale, of Newton Farm, Hill Mountain, Houghton, Milford Haven, will take on The Big Trek 24hr Three Peaks Challenge on August 18.

Described as one of the toughest challenges the UK offers, the dynamic duo will climb Ben Nevis (1344m) in Scotland, Scafell Pike (978m) in Cumbria, and Mount Snowdon (1,085m) in Wales – all within 24 hours.

Elaine, 49, and Llawela, 19, a close friend of Hannah’s, hope to raise at least £1,000 in their friend’s memory and for the charity.

Elaine said: “As a family we had the privilege of being touched by Hannah’s lively, bubbly character – she was truly one of life’s extraordinary people.

“It’s so important to remember Hannah and raise awareness of this deadly, devastating disease, which can kill within hours.

“If we raise awareness and funds – then all the pain climbing and possible bad weather, harsh winds and rain, will be more than worth it.

“However, if it is rainy and very windy – it will make it more challenging and we will rise to the occasion.

“We decided to attempt the three mountains as we have always wanted to climb them – bring it on.”

Elaine and Llawela will do their best to grab sleep en route to the next mountain and are vigorously training six days a week.

They are doing coastal and regular walks of varying lengths, exercises including squats and circuit training, and yoga to help with movement.

The women will start at 7am on August 18 and hope to finish by 7am the next day.

Meningitis UK founder Steve Dayman, who launched the charity after losing his 14-month-old son Spencer to meningitis and meningococcal septicaemia in 1982, said: “This is an incredibly testing and nerve-racking challenge.

“We thank Elaine and Llawela for their dedication – they show what can be done with dedication, determination and spirit.

“What happened to Hannah shows just how quickly meningitis can take a loved one, just how devastating the disease can be, and how important it is to stamp it out to protect future generations.

“Our goal is to develop a vaccine to wipe out meningitis forever.”

For more information on Meningitis UK, to donate or for a free symptoms information pack, please call 0117 947 6320 or visit www.meningitisuk.org.