“My life changed in split seconds and it’s never going to be the same, but I will adapt to this new way of living.”
Brandon, from Bristol, contracted meningococcal meningitis and septicaemia when he was 29.
His family had no idea what the outcome would be when he was put into a coma that lasted for seven weeks. Brandon tells us the story:
“I went to watch England women vs Belgium on Friday 4th April 2025. I felt like my heart was racing so I left before it ended. My girlfriend lived a few minutes away from Ashton Gate stadium so we went there and I slept till Saturday night.
“When I woke up I felt bit better so I went to my Nan and Grandad’s house and got in bed and slept until Sunday morning. I then had a shower but collapsed in the bedroom.
Put in a coma
“My Nan and Grands were away but they came home just in time and found me collapsed and fitting. They rang an ambulance and it came quickly. I was put into the ambulance and put in a coma there and then.
“I was in ICU for seven weeks in a coma. I was then moved to a ward for three months and then went into rehabilitation to learn to walk, talk and eat as I couldn’t do anything like that till August or September time.
“I finally left hospital on the 17th October. I proposed to my girlfriend on the way out. She became my fiancé and now she is my wife!
Life is too short
“After an experience like that we thought life is too short and we should get married sooner rather than later!
“I’m still not back to my normal self. I’m struggling with balance, fatigue and I’m still in pain as I lost one finger and six tips of my toes due to sepsis.
“I’m still in contact with Southmead hospital neurology team and also the ward I was on. I also see the gastro team as I have crohns colitis too which causes so many issues in my day to day life.
Oasis
“I was in a coma when I turned 30. All my life I’ve been waiting for Oasis to make a comeback. I had tickets for me and my friend for their 2025 tour but I was still in hospital so couldn’t go. I was more devastated about that than anything!
“My biggest advice to anyone going through anything like me is to stay positive and smile as much as you can.
“My life changed in split seconds and it’s never going to be the same, but I will adapt to this new way of living. Overall I’m still happy and appreciate everything that little bit more now because there was some very dark days in 2025.”
