An investigation has been launched after paramedics diagnosed a Maidstone toddler's meningitis as chicken pox.

Now mum-of-two Tammy Archer is urging parents to familiarise themselves with the signs after her only daughter almost died from the deadly infection.

Two-year-old Alexia Topazio was examined after quickly developing a rash over her body, which was put down to the common childhood illness.

But just 12 hours later the toddler had turned grey and was struggling to breathe.

Miss Archer, 27, says she owes her daughter's life to quick-thinking neighbour Melissa Solomon, who spotted the signs of meningitis and called 999.

Now Alexia is recovering well in hospital, after spending several days fighting for her life.

A spokesman from South East Coast Ambulance Service said: “We were already in contact with Ms Archer prior to the Kent Messenger piece and are looking into the circumstances surrounding this call.

"We support any efforts to raise the awareness of the symptoms of meningitis and we are pleased to hear her daughter is making a good recovery.”

“Lexi got really ill very suddenly. Her breathing was really rapid and she had a rash. I did the glass test and the rash didn’t disappear and my gut told me to take her to hospital” - Melissa Solomon

Miss Archer, who works in Marino Fish Bar in Upper Stone Street, said: “Lexi got really ill very suddenly. Her breathing was really rapid and she had a rash. I did the glass test and the rash didn’t disappear and my gut told me to take her to hospital.”

She called for an ambulance, but said paramedics suspected chickenpox and advised her to keep Lexi at home.

It wasn’t until the next morning that the true cause of her illness came to light. She was rushed to Tunbridge Wells Hospital at Pembury with suspected bacterial meningitis and meningococcal septicaemia and treated with potent antibiotics.

Miss Solomon, 29, who works in healthcare, said: “When Lexi looked at me her eyes were really glazed over and she was quite unresponsive. I asked if she could sit up and the colour just drained from her and she went grey and was struggling to breathe, and then kept vomiting into a bucket.”

She added: “I’m pleased she is recovering. I feel quite proud that I could make such an impact on someone’s life.”

Miss Archer, from George Street in Maidstone, added: “She recognised it straight away. If it hadn’t been for her, Lexi could have been very seriously ill.

“If it had been much later I would have been taking her home in a box. She really did save my daughter’s life. I’m so grateful to the doctors treating her.

“It was horrible. She’s a really lively little girl but she was so lifeless. Doctors were poking her eyes and sticking needles in her and she wasn’t responding.

“I felt sick when I heard it was meningitis. My message to parents would be, if your child shows the symptoms, forget what anyone says and go to hospital.”