A TEENAGER from Bridgwater who survived the country's only recorded case of an extremely rare form of meningitis unscathed is organising a gig for Meningitis UK.

Rosie Collington, 17, was struck down with varicella zoster meningitis last year, and doctors considered it a miracle she pulled through so well.

This is the country's first recorded case of varicella zoster and Rosie was told there have been only three cases ever reported.

It is believed the teen initially contracted shingles, caused by the varicella zoster virus, which then led to life-threatening meningitis.

Had she been treated just an hour later she may have died or suffered hearing or sight problems.

Luckily, doctors at Musgrove Park Hospital in Taunton treated her immediately for suspected meningitis and she miraculously recovered.

Just weeks later, Rosie completed her GCSEs - scoring 7 A*s and 5 As.

She said: "I had been on holiday in Egypt and a week later became really photophobic.

"I tried getting up but started being sick. I had a migraine and couldn't eat.

"I'd slept the whole day but when I woke I started throwing up again and fainted. My mum called an ambulance and straightaway they suspected meningitis."

Results from a lumbar puncture confirmed an unusual strain of the disease, but it was student doctor Camilla Peevers who pinpointed the exact form.

Now Rosie, who studies for the International Baccalaureate at Bridgwater College, and friend Chloe Kirkpatrick, 17, have organised the acoustic gig for the charity to help fund research into finding a vaccine for the disease.

The event takes place at The Duke on Sunday, September 5, from 6.30pm.

Entry is free but donations are encouraged on the door.

Rosie said: "Organising the gig is our way to help a vital charity.

"I love music and perform so asked others on the local music circuit to help me."

Money raised goes towards Meningitis UK's Search 4 a Vaccine Campaign, which aims to raise £7 million to fund vital research into developing a vaccine against all forms of meningitis.

Steve Dayman, who founded Meningitis UK after his son Spencer died from the disease, said: "We're really grateful for Rosie's fundraising efforts and hope everyone will support her on what should be a good night of live music.

"We were pleased to hear that she made such a good recovery thanks to prompt treatment at hospital."