“Our little boy just amazes us with his sheer determination to not let life's battles stop him and we couldn't be more proud.”
When you’re fighting back from meningitis you can feel like you’ve got a mountain to climb.
Well, that’s exactly what 8-year-old Kaiden plans to do to mark his recovery, to raise money to help others struggling from the impact of the disease and to show them that hopefully everything will be okay in the end.
Kaiden, from Medway in Kent, plans to climb Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in Scotland at 1,345 metres on 28 June this year. He’s training hard for the challenge and Mum and Dad are lending their full support, but the idea was entirely Kaiden’s, as mum Hayley explains.
Meningitis after having chicken pox
“Back in 2023 Kaiden developed meningitis two weeks after having chicken pox – it was a complication from this. Kaiden wasn't ill at all whilst having chicken pox but one day woke up with a headache saying his head felt heavy and he felt dizzy.
“The very same day everything escalated quickly. Kaiden started to have a temperature of over 40, a stiff neck, was being sick and felt disorientated. He then had a seizure and was taken to hospital.
“After having a lumbar puncture meningitis was confirmed.
Couldn’t walk and lost his speech
“Our once lively chatty little boy couldn't walk, lost his speech and underwent a complete personality change. It was so hard for Kaiden and our family.
“Kaiden had physio and speech therapy and after months had improved. Three years later he is still off balance at times and a different personality, but still our beautiful most loving boy who lives life to the fullest.
“After seeing myself and his Dad climb Ben Nevis for pancreatic cancer for my Dad, Kaiden asked if he could do something to help children who suffered from meningitis or had head injuries, so he could help in some way.
Because it's the biggest
“Of course we said ‘yes’ and asked what he wanted to do? He said: ‘I want to climb Ben Nevis because it's the biggest.’ If he could do it he thought it might help other kids to see that everything will be okay in the end.”
Kaiden has been preparing for the climb by hiking at the weekends and is also a member of a rock/boulder climbing club and trains weekly to build up his strength, balance and stamina.
Hayley added: “We have set a £500 goal but hope to raise more than this. We wanted Kaiden to be able to comfortably achieve his target, so he feels good.
Come on in leaps and bounds
“He has come on in leaps and bounds since he was ill and doesn't let the changes affect him from doing the things he loves. He is still full of love and energy and nothing holds him back from achieving. He is the most giving boy who always puts others before himself.
“This challenge is absolutely huge for him. He also wants to set up a hiking group for parents and children affected by brain injuries after meningitis, as a place where everyone can meet up with the same understanding.”
“We as a family are so proud of Kaiden; our little boy just amazes us with his sheer determination to not let life's battles stop him and we couldn't be more proud that our amazing little boy wants to help others.
Good luck with your preparations and the climb itself Kaiden from everyone at Meningitis Now and thank you so much for your support.
Kaiden has a TikTok account which has gained a real following. Follow his preparations for his climb here.
Please help Kaiden achieve his challenge successfully if you can. You can support his efforts here.
