Meningitis stories

Aged 41, Natalia suffered a stroke caused by bacterial pneumococcal meningitis, which left her with after-effects for over a year

Connie was originally diagnosed with a viral infection, as despite her symptoms of meningitis she had no rash. At mum Michelle's insistence, further tests revealed she was suffering from bacterial meningitis

It took Peter two visits to A&E before he was admitted to hospital with bacterial meningitis - by which time he was slurring his words, couldn't keep food or medicine down and was displaying multiple symptoms

Demi, from County Tyrone, was worried about her baby Harley's temperature and agitation. Her GP initially told her to keep an eye on him, but doctors at A&E instantly recognised symptoms of meningitis

Melissa and Steve's daughter Indie was born premature, and despite her feeling cold they were told not to worry. But, she rapidly deteriorated and died of Group B strep just 10 days after birth

Ann Marie, Stuart and daughters Zoe and Eilidh were on a family holiday in France when Eilidh became ill with bacterial MenW meningitis and tragically passed away, aged 8 years old

Since being hospitalised with meningococcal meningitis and septicaemia, Sam is keen to highlight the support available for anyone else who has been affected by the disease

As Kim recovered from bacterial meningitis in 1997 she could only watch as she lost her toes, one by one. In 2008 something clicked and she found herself able to return to the sport she loved the most - running

Instead of celebrating her 30th birthday, Ipek was hospitalised with an initial diagnosis of viral meningitis. Days later though, as her condition deteriorated, it was discovered that she was suffering with the bacterial form of the disease

Karen, from Wales, is keen to raise awareness of Mollaret's meningitis - a rare, recurring form of viral meningitis - having had the disease seven times since 2008

As baby Connor was being treated for viral meningitis, mum Claire was told that if she hadn't brought him to hospital when she did then things would have been a lot worse

Baby Charlie was irritable, unsettled and screaming when he was picked up. A series of tests later it was confirmed that Charlie had contracted viral meningitis

Simon fell ill in January 1977 with meningococcal septicaemia, sadly losing his life to the disease. Mum, Diane, tells the tragic story

Louisa was 23 when she was struck with a series of catastrophic illnesses, including streptococcal meningitis, leaving her with acquired brain injury

Meningitis left Lucy with an acquired brain injury, completely wiping her memory. She was unable to remember her name or anything about herself, how to speak, eat or dress

When India became unwell while on holiday at 17 years old, meningitis was initially ruled out despite the tell-tale rash on her arms

Since waking up in hospital after being found unconscious, Tina has struggled with the toll that her meningitis experience has had on her mental health, and the after-effects it's left her with

As the anniversary of his viral meningitis diagnosis approaches, Kris has shared his story as part of Viral Meningitis Week to help raise awareness of the disease and its after-effects

During a routine check-up for her 7-week old baby Sienna, Sabrina mentioned that she'd had a bad night and high temperature. Within hours, Sienna was being treated for meningococcal meningitis and septicaemia

After developing symptoms including a severe headache, sickness and light sensitivity, Hannah was diagnosed with viral meningitis - what she calls "one of the scariest experiences of her life"