The father of a baby who died from meningitis and now fund-raises to help others has been nominated for a Burton Mail Heroes award.

Russ Fisher has revealed what life has been like in the terrible days, months and years following the death of his beloved baby girl, Rubie Fisher, in May 2015.

The 39-year-old said he and his wife Kerry felt "numb" for more than a year after the tot died when she was just six weeks old. He now raises funds for meningitis charities to help others, which he says helps him deal with the pain.

Russ, of Westlands Road, Uttoxeter, said his son Alfie has particularly struggled with the loss of his beloved younger sister.

Russ and Kerry Fisher, from Uttoxeter, who lost daughter Rubie to Meningitis, with their second daughter, Sofie
Russ and Kerry Fisher, from Uttoxeter, who lost daughter Rubie to Meningitis, with their second daughter, Sofie

He said the six-year-old still undergoes counselling to cope with his bereavement, as well as art therapy classes where he paints images Rubie to help him overcome his loss.

Russ said: "Alfie draws Rubie as an older girl.

"He colours her hair and she's as tall as he is.

"In his mind she's grown up.

"He has more off days than his mum and dad, he will just go to bed and start crying saying he misses Rubie."

Since Rubie's death, caretaker Russ and pharmacist Kerry, 40, have done all they can to raise money for meningitis charities to help keep their daughter's memory alive.

The pair have raised almost £20,000 in three years by holding many charity nights, raffles and walks. The couple have even visited Parliament to discuss the importance of meningitis vaccinnes.

Alfie Fisher with little sister Sofie. Alfie lost his baby sister, Rubie, to meningitis in 2015
Alfie Fisher with little sister Sofie. Alfie lost his baby sister, Rubie, to meningitis in 2015

Russ said: "We do the fund-raising because it actually helps us.

"Life goes on but we're not the same people we were before Rubie passed away.

"It seems strange that I can stand up in a room full of people and talk about Rubie; it doesn't bother me.

"But it's the private moments when you sit and think about it.

"Speaking to other charities helps us but I think if we didn't have children I'm not sure I would still be here.

"We have spoken to local families who have lost children and I don't mind doing that but we are all part of a club we shouldn't be. We are all bereaved parents.

"We will continue to fund-raise as long as we can."

Rubie Fisher, from Uttoxeter, who was only six weeks old when she died from meningitis in May 2015
Rubie Fisher, from Uttoxeter, who was only six weeks old when she died from meningitis in May 2015

Russ and Kerry welcomed their healthy baby girl Sofie into the world in July 2016.

And the family are keen to ensure she grows up knowing she once had a big sister.

"She points to the sky when you say Rubie," Russ said.

"You just take each day as it comes, but life has changed forever."

Russ has been nominated for The Dad of the Year Award, sponsored by The Alphabet Gift Shop , as part of our Burton Mail Heroes Awards, which will be announced in July.

A spokesman for The Alphabet Gift Shop, in Union Street, Burton, said: "The Alphabet Gift Shop is proud to be sponsoring The Dad of the Year category in the Burton Mail Heroes Awards this year.

"Families are at the heart of what we do in both our coffee shops and gift shops so we are very pleased to be able to help celebrate the Super Dads of Burton.

"Father's Day is one of our busiest times in the shops and online, second only to Christmas, which demonstrates just how important Dads are to their families.

"Some of the personalised messages we are asked to add to gifts for Dads are truly moving and describe Dads as adventurers, carers, entertainers and providers but most of all as heroes.

"My own 86 year old father has recently taken to riding a bike since giving up driving following an Alzheimer's diagnosis – watch out for him on the A38 pedalling towards Stretton at an impressive speed! For me he deserves an award every day!

"We are looking forward to hearing stories of Burton’s brave, determined, selfless and inspirational Dads who have gone above and beyond for their families and others and who mean the world to their kids."

There are awards for:

How to spot the symptoms of meningitis. They include:

  • a high temperature of 38C or above
  • feeling and being sick
  • irritability and a lack of energy
  • a headache
  • aching muscles and joints
  • breathing quickly
  • cold hands and feet
  • pale, mottled skin
  • a stiff neck
  • confusion
  • a dislike of bright lights
  • drowsiness
  • fits or seizures

A classic symptom of meningitis is a blotchy rash that doesn't fade when a glass is rolled over it, but this doesn't appear in many cases.

You should get medical advice as soon as possible if you're concerned about yourself or your child. Trust your instincts and don't wait until a rash develops.

Call 999 for an ambulance or go to your nearest accident and emergency department if you think you or your child might be seriously ill.

Call NHS 111 or your GP surgery for advice if you're not sure if it's anything serious.