ONE of the UK’s best-known farmers Adam Henson is pleased to boost awareness of a deadly disease after becoming a Meningitis Now celebrity ambassador.

The rural TV presenter knows how devastating meningitis can be after his friends Rod and Anna Adlington, of Coventry, lost their three-year-old Barney to meningitis in 2005.

Adam, co-director of Cotswold Farm Park near Stow-on-the-Wold, supported Meningitis Now’s Five Valleys Walk around the Cotswolds last year.

He was also a guest when Their Royal Highnesses, The Earl and Countess of Wessex, a Meningitis Now patron, visited the charity’s Stroud headquarters in April.

Adam, who has contributed to BBC Radio 4’s On Your Farm and Farming Today, was very impressed by the UK’s largest meningitis charity’s work, and delighted to be invited to become an ambassador.

Conservationist Adam, who has also written for Countryfile magazine, said: “I’m amazed by the charity’s work to fund pioneering research, raise awareness and support survivors and their families – I had to help.

“It’s my pleasure to become an ambassador and I look forward to helping as much as I can.”

Meningitis Now chief executive Sue Davie added: “We’re thrilled to have Adam – such a popular and regarded personality – aiding our work.”

For more information, visit www.MeningitisNow.org.