A CAMPAIGN launched by the family of a Caerwent teenager who died of Toxic Shock Syndrome is set to receive £10,000 to support their schools project to raise awareness of the rare illness.

The family of Natasha Scott-Falber, who died aged 14 in 2013 of Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) from using her first tampon, have been campaigning to raise awareness of the symptoms and teamed up with an an education and training company to deliver interactive sessions in schools.

TSS Aware, which was set up by the family and backed by the Free Press, is set to receive £10,000 from Toxic Shock Syndrome Information Service (TSSIS) to support their schools programme. TSSIS is an organisation which is funded and supported by some of the main tampon manufacturers.

The schools programme was set up in the summer term of this year where Ithaca, the education and training company, went into five schools in South Wales, including in Monmouthshire, to educate children on TSS.

They targeted year nine pupils from secondary schools including both girls and boys.

Natasha’s story is featured as part of the sessions with a video featuring her family and friends.

Pupils will now carry out a survey by TSSIS as part of the sessions.

The money will allow Ithaca to go into 40 more schools in Wales and the surrounding area.

The programme so far has reached more than 1,000 pupils and TSS Aware have released funding for four more schools this term.

Mandy Scott, Natasha’s mother, said: “We are very excited about it. We can reach so many more more children as we need to get everybody to talk about it.

“We went to meet representatives from TSSIS and some major tampon manufacturers and showed them the presentation. They were absolutely bulldozed by it.”

Tracy Stewart, director general of the Absorbent Hygiene Products Manufacturers Association (AHPMA) , said: “It is complete honour to work with the family and I have the greatest admiration for what they have achieved. Accurate messaging around TSS is vital, awareness is the key to everything.

“Consumers, medical professionals and the media need clear educational messages about TSS (menstrual and non-menstrual) in all age groups: its potential causes; symptoms; treatment and what to do if a person suspects TSS.”

She added: “We are very excited about working with the family on our project to establish awareness and understanding of TSS among young people via their school programme, which in turn will help them reach more young people.”

According to Toxic Shock Syndrome Information Service (TSSIS), around half the reported cases of TSS are associated with women using tampons, but it can also be caused by infections following burns, boils, insect bites or following surgery. The condition can be treated with antibiotics if diagnosed early.

Some of the symptoms of TSS include a sudden high fever (temperature), vomiting, a sunburn-like rash, diarrhoea, fainting or feeling faint, muscle aches, dizziness and confusion.

For more information visit www.tssaware.org.uk/ or www.toxicshock.com