Ellie’s experience
Just as she was starting university, Ellie lost her ‘genuine, hilarious and intelligent’ 19-year-old best friend, Lauren to meningitis and septicaemia (blood poisoning)
Lauren tragically passed away after she suddenly fell ill and was rushed to hospital in February this year.
Sadly nothing could be done for music and book-loving Lauren and she died overnight.
Ellie told us more about Lauren and what it was like to lose her best friend so suddenly:
“Lauren was the most incredible person I’ve ever come across. We’d been best friends for years and had recently moved to London together."
“She had everything to look forward to – she was intelligent and she could’ve done anything. Lauren was a real force to be reckoned with and a beautiful person physically and mentally.”
“Lauren’s symptoms were barely recognisable - there needs to be more awareness of meningitis. It’s so important to know what to look for as the symptoms are so similar to everyday illnesses.”
“I’m so grateful to have had Lauren in my life - it’s a miracle for me to have known her for the short time that I did.”
Losing someone close to you so suddenly can be very difficult, and it’s normal to feel a range of emotions. Don’t go through it alone – we can provide a number of support services to help you through this distressing time.