Ann, from Wallasey in Merseyside, fell ill in 2010 at the age of 71. Her family felt devastated and helpless and since her recovery have been determined to help our work. Here Ann shares her story in support of our No Plan B for MenB campaign.
“It was in May 2010 that I started to feel unwell. My head was so heavy and I just felt dreadful. I started to feel extremely hot, then very cold and this continued for some hours. Then I started to vomit violently and then became unconscious.
“I was taken to Arrowe Park Hospital, Wirral by ambulance, and given a lumbar puncture. Then, after two days, as my condition worsened, I was sent over to the Walton Centre, Liverpool in the middle of the night, where I was received by the wonderful Prof Paul Elridge who saved my life.
“I was in a natural coma/induced coma for six days and woke up in an ICT Unit. I was in hospital for three weeks and had to learn to swallow and to walk again. It took me two years to feel completely well again, during which time every day I would sleep for at least two hours.
Vaccines should be readily available
“If vaccines can prevent people getting such dreadful diseases they should be readily available and the population should not delay in being vaccinated. After my illness my daughter immediately had her children vaccinated.
“I always advise anybody to have children and teenagers vaccinated against this deadly disease, especially before they go on to further education.
“Knowing Meningitis Now are there makes me feel safe and secure and I know they will help and support me if I need it.
Devastated my family
“Having had a horrendous attack of this most severe form of bacterial meningitis my family felt devastated, helpless and determined to help. Together with friends we attended the Christmas events at Liverpool Cathedral when they had them. My grandson William tackled the 8 Peaks in 48 hours in the Lake District in 2024 (accompanied by my daughter, Louise), and I held a tea party to raise funds. All my family support Meningitis Now.
“Even after 14 years , the memory of this experience is still clear in my memory. I am forever grateful to the fantastic staff at the Walton Centre, Liverpool who, when I was discharged from hospital, said to me ‘You're some tough cookie.’
“I am always aware of this appalling disease and delighted when I hear of the wonderful recovery and happy lives that are achieved after it.”