A double amputee who pledged to marry his girlfriend as soon as he could make it down the aisle has announced plans to wed.

Jacob Gray was just 21 when he was suddenly struck down with meningitis in 2013 and after months fighting the disease he had to have both legs amputated in February last year.

Jacob’s fiancée Summer Whittaker, 22, of Barrington Court, Church stood by him through the ‘heartbreaking’ ordeal and has told of how the couple now plan to celebrate by getting married.

Summer, a graphic designer, said: “Jacob and I had been together one year before he contracted meningitis.

“As soon as I met him I knew he was something special.

“I felt my heart break when Jacob told me to leave him and live my life but I couldn’t see my future without him.

“I knew it would be a difficult journey, but meningitis gave us a strength that made our relationship, and us, indestructible.”

She added: “Jacob spent 699 days in hospital, becoming a double amputee.

“We both went through some of our darkest times but the support from the charity Meningitis Now pulled us through.”

Summer said that Jacob is now ‘70 per cent’ there with his recovery and praised his resolve.

She said: “Almost three years after meningitis, the opportunities Jacob and I have had from this experience is something we will never take for granted.

“I wish that this didn’t happen, but then it would have happened to somebody else.

“I am very proud of what he has achieved so far, his recovery is coming on bit by bit and we are taking it slowly.”

The couple hope to find somewhere suitable to live before they plan the big day.

Summer added: “We love each other. Whether it happens next week or in six months, it doesn’t matter.”

Through her experience Summer has become a passionate supporter for charity Meningitis Now, utilising her skills and experience to help develop their Student Awareness Campaign.

Summer, who is a young ambassador for the charity, said: “This whole journey has been the most difficult chapter of my life and I can never repay Meningitis Now for being there for Jacob when I felt so weak, but I will do all I can to support their future and support anyone in need.”