Medical staff at Dundee’s Ninewells Hospital initially feared for her life and she was transferred to the intensive care unit at the Sick Kids Hospital, in Edinburgh.

But she capped an amazing recovery by returning to classes at Carnoustie High just two weeks later.

Mum Dawn McGaughay and pal Diane Barnett were motivated to bang the drum for the Meningitis Research Foundation, raising £4500 in three months from a charity quiz night, auction and raffle at the Fort Hotel, Broughty Ferry.

Ms McGaughay said, “After Kirsty made such a great recovery you just feel you want to do something for those who were watching over her.

“I also want to raise awareness among parents, especially with children around Kirsty’s age.

“You don’t normally associate meningitis with that age, more when they are very young or about to go to university.

“People should be aware of the classic symptoms all the way through. You’ve always got in your head to look for a rash, but there are other early indicators as well.”

Ms McGaughay warned parents to look out for symptoms like vomiting, headaches, neck stiffness and fever. She described Kirsty as lucky, having avoided any lasting affects.

Luciana Brondi, of the Meningitis Research Foundation, said the speed with which the disease strikes is frightening, and it can lead to a serious deterioration in health, such as that experienced by Kirsty.

Though fairly uncommon, meningitis is said to be fatal in one in 10 cases, while one in seven are left with a serious disability, such as deafness, brain damage or even amputations.