Comedian and presenter Sandi Toksvig will share her own experience of meningitis to help a Bristol-based charity.

She will make a heartfelt appeal for Meningitis UK during a Radio 4 broadcast on Sunday.

The charity approached Ms Toksvig after hearing how her daughter, Megan, fell ill two years ago while on holiday with friends in Cornwall.

Prompt treatment saved the 16-year-old's life. She made a good recovery and now hopes to become a doctor.

Ms Toksvig said she remembered the "terrifying" experience vividly.

"I was in the Lake District and she was in Newquay. The drive there seemed never-ending and I couldn't believe how ill she looked when I arrived.

"She'd been away on her first holiday with friends so I was worried anyway.

"I remember trying to make her laugh when doctors carried out a lumbar puncture but deep down I felt terrified because I knew meningitis was a killer."

Blood test results confirmed Megan had meningism – all the symptoms of meningitis but it hadn't reached the lining of her brain.

Ms Toksvig will help raise funds towards research into a vaccine for the most common form of the disease in the UK.

Kate Rowland, who is head of development at Downend-based Meningitis UK, said: "We were over the moon when Sandi agreed to read our appeal."

The appeal will be aired on Sunday at 7.55am and 9.26pm, as well as the following Thursday at 3.27pm. It can also be heard online.