The mother of a teenager who died while using a tampon has urged other young women to be aware of the infection that claimed her daughter's life. 

Jemma-Louise Roberts, 13, is thought to have developed Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) - a rare but life-threatening bacterial infection linked to using tampons.

The keen swimmer, who belonged to the local club in Hindley, Wigan, had begun using tampons as a more convenient way to keep training while on her period.

Her devastated mother today recalled how her daughter began feeling unwell with sickness and diarrhoea while on a family holiday. 

Miss Roberts was initially diagnosed with the winter vomiting bug norovirus - and her parents were told to keep her away from hospitals to prevent other patients becoming infected. 

But she was rushed back to Royal Albert Edward Infirmary in Wigan after her condition suddenly deteriorated.

Doctors at the hospital told her family they believed she had Toxic Shock Syndrome.

The rare but life-threatening bacterial infection is caused by bacteria that normally live harmlessly on the skin, nose or mouth.

But they can invade the body's bloodstream, where they release poisonous toxins.

The toxins damage tissue, including skin and organs, and can disturb many vital organ functions.

TSS is a therefore a medical emergency and sufferers must seek help immediately.  

Tragically, the infection had already gripped Miss Roberts' body.

She died a week later from a bleed on the brain while on a heart and lung bypass machine at Alder Hey Children's Hospital.

Blood tests revealed the presence of the staphylococcus bacteria, linked to both TSS and sepsis, before she died.

A post-mortem examination was not carried out following her death on March 1 last year, but her heartbroken mother Diane believes TSS caused her daughter's illness as she had been using tampons when she fell ill.

Mrs Roberts, 45, is now speaking out to warn others of the danger signs of TSS as part of World Sepsis Week.

Sepsis is the umbrella term for blood poisoning - and TSS is a specific cause.

Early symptoms are a high fever followed by flu-like symptoms, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea.

A rash across the body can then appear and TSS can cause fatal organ failure if left untreated.

Mrs Roberts said: 'TSS used to be talked about in the 1980s  but you never hear about it now. 

'If speaking out can save just one person it will be worth it. 

'My husband had never heard of TSS - if one dad reads this and his daughter falls ill, it could save her life.'

She added: 'Her passion was teaching swimming to younger children.

'She always had a smile on her face and loved helping others.'

Friends and family, including Miss Roberts' father Tony, 43, and brother Joseph, 13, have now raised over £33,000 for Alder Hey in memory of her.