Meningitis stories

Neil was on holiday when he started acting out of character, and within days he had developed severe headaches, light sensitivity, anxiety and confusion

Now in her teens, Eleanor discovered that she had suffered with viral meningitis when she was hospitalised as a baby. But she is determined that her after-effects won't hold her back

After watching her oldest son battle meningitis, Holly couldn't believe that history was repeating itself two years later when baby Jasper became ill

Now 15, Luke was 8 weeks old when he contracted meningococcal septicaemia, resulting in him losing the digits on his left hand

Against the odds, Susan pulled through her bacterial meningitis experience, but it has left her with a number of after-effects including the partial loss of two fingers

When Nikki was discharged from hospital after being diagnosed with viral meningitis, she hadn't realised she would continue to feel unwell

Suman was suffering with constant headaches, until one day he began vomiting violently. Two lumbar punctures later, it was confirmed that he had meningococcal meningitis

Five weeks after being diagnosed with viral meningitis, Kristof is struggling with after-effects such as fatigue and pressure in his head

Aaron had what he thought was the flu, but as his symptoms worsened he made his way to hospital. Now, with the after-effects of viral meningitis, he is adapting to a new way of life

Mum Arlene could only watch in horror as a purple rash spread over 5-year-old Leon's body as he battled MenB and septicaemia

Baby Piper's case of bacterial meningitis came on fast and without warning as it often can. Fortunately mum and dad realised she wasn't right and sought immediate medical help

Ben contracted meningococcal septicaemia during the first few weeks of his first year at uni, in November 2019. He had his MenACWY vaccination, but was struck down with MenB

Laura still suffers from debilitating migraines a year after contracting viral meningitis, but she is taking recovery one day at a time

Lel's recent experience of bacterial meningitis is a timely reminder of us all to keep meningitis in mind

Ayesha was diagnosed with bacterial meningitis when she was 17. She has been left with a number of after-effects. Despite this she is not letting it stop her achieving her goals.

Daniel was in hospital for 6 days, isolated in a room until the type of meningitis was confirmed. Daniel had contracted viral meningitis

Logan was born in October 2018, happy and healthy. But just a few days later his temperature started to climb and after being taken to hospital, bacterial meningitis was diagnosed.

Tammy contracted meningococcal (meningitis) Y at age 32, she suffered life-changing after-effects, but has come out fighting.

When Sofia came round after an emergency C-section, she was told that her baby boy Hunter was very poorly with Group B strep meningitis

Lynne was diagnosed with viral meningitis last year, after she suffered a blinding headache, lost her balance and collapsed. Thankfully, with support from Meningitis Now, she is making a good recovery