“What’s alarming about all of this is that we thought Aaron was fully vaccinated against meningitis.”
Anthony, from Kidderminster, tells us about the painful experience of losing his son, Aaron, to meningitis at just 18-years-old.
“My 18-year-old son, Aaron, had mild flu-like symptoms over Christmas. On the morning of 30th of December he had a headache, took paracetamol and went back to bed.
“30 minutes later, he was moaning in his room. I went in and he was in distress and unresponsive.
“Paramedics arrived quickly, treated him for meningitis straight away and rushed Aaron to Worcester hospital.
“He was transferred to Coventry hospital to relieve pressure on the brain, but his brain had already swollen too much.
Passed days before
“Aaron had officially died on 3rd January, but I think he had already passed days before.
“We went through the organ donor process and have since found out that Aaron has helped six other people with ill health.
“Aaron had just started the Science and Football programme at John Moores University in Liverpool, he had excelled in everything he did and was on track to fulfilling his dream to work in professional football. He was enjoying his independence and loving uni life.
“He was an extremely kind and generous young man who brought joy and laughter to everyone he met.
Impact is horrific
“The impact this has had on the family and friends is horrific. The pain is unbearable. Aaron’s younger sister, Casey, shared the same birthday as him, only two years apart. They had an incredible bond together.
“All our hopes and dreams for them both have been shattered.
“What’s alarming about all of this is that we thought Aaron was fully vaccinated against meningitis. Aaron had meningitis B which, we later found out, his vaccinations didn’t cover.
“Only when we researched and found the information on Meningitis Now, did we find out that this is not an isolated case and that there is a campaign to get the vaccine for MenB to those at risk and, in particular, first-year university students.
Meningitis in students
“Aaron didn’t show typical meningitis symptoms that we have been guided to look for. On the Meningitis Now’s ‘meningitis in students webpage’, it says: “The temptation might be to think they have fresher’s flu but it could be meningitis”. I can only wish that I knew that sooner.
“As Aaron’s story has had a massive impact on our community, many fundraising events have happened and are being planned to raise funds for Meningitis Now, in the hope that this information can get to people that need to know.”
