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We have been invaded by over 100 leopards - the furry creatures are however of the toy variety and their invasion is part of our annual campaign to raise students’ awareness of the symptoms of meningitis.

The 160 toy leopards are included in ‘goody bags’, distributed to students during the campaign. They leopards highlight the saying ‘a leopard doesn’t change its spots’, to remind students of one of the symptoms of meningitis, a rash which doesn’t fade when a tumbler is pressed upon it. The goody bag includes a wallet sized-card showing all the symptoms of meningitis. A fridge magnet with the same information is also available, for students to display in halls of residence or shared houses.

Hazel Wright, health and well-being co-ordinator in Student Services, pictured with two of the toy leopards, said: 'We’re using the leopards to get an important message across in a fun way. The rash is only one of the symptoms of meningitis, there are lots of others and students need to be aware of this. We also organised two events on campus where students took part in a quiz about meningitis to win the goody bags, as we wanted them to engage with us during this campaign. This isn’t just for first-years but returning students as well.'

The other main symptoms of meningitis are:

>severe headache >stiff neck - unable to put chin to chest >high temperature >vomiting >joint or muscle pain >aversion to bright lights >drowsiness.

In addition to activities across the campus and in the Students’ Union, information about meningitis will also be screened on the University’s plasma screens. The Meningitis Trust’s 24-hour helpline is: 0800 028 18 28.

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