Meningitis stories

Rebecca and Chris's son Oliver was just six-weeks-old when he became very unsettled, stopped taking his milk and developed a very high temperature. The youngster, from Milton Keynes, had contracted bacterial meningitis

Nineteen-year-old Kieran, from Glasgow, fell ill with bacterial meningitis seven years ago. Extensive physio helped his recovery but his confidence had taken a knock and he suffered anxiety about returning to school.

Nikki, from Belper in Derbyshire, was not expected to survive, let alone thrive after contracting meningitis at birth. She did, and now a spirited 22-year-old, has proved everybody wrong and is an inspiration for others. She tells her story here

Jack’s parents Steve and Hayley, from Evesham in Worcestershire, are convinced their fast action in getting him to hospital, suspecting meningitis when he first became ill saved his life. Steve recounts their story here

Hayley, from Saltash in Cornwall, suffered unbearable headaches and specialists discovered a defect in the base of her skull, which explains why she was prone to meningitis. She tells her story here

Thirty-year-old Amy, from Seddons Farm in Lancashire, fell ill with meningitis in summer 1992. She remembers having a headache, stiff neck and being delirious but not much else.

Tests in hospital revealed bacterial meningitis from E coli. Mum Nicola, from Bishops Stortford in Hertfordshire, recounts their story here

Bernadette was booked in for an elective c-section and her son Elijah arrived safe and well. But at the same time she became ill with a rare form of meningitis and has little recollection of his birth and the preceding weeks.

Emily from Northamptonshire had no idea that baby Polly's bad mood was an early symptom of meningitis. Thankfully she got medical help and thankfully she made a full recovery

Nineteen-year-old Taylor, from Harlow in Essex, had a very bad headache, temperature and was vomiting and delusional. She had contracted bacterial meningitis. She tells her story here

Anna’s Dad was active, fit and healthy before he was struck down suddenly by meningitis. Even now, she finds it difficult to believe he’s gone. She tells their story here

Liam, from Thatcham in Berkshire, had an unusual high-pitched cry when he was born and his breathing was laboured. Liam had contracted meningitis, but fortunately responded well to treatment. Mum Claire tells their story here

Matt Davenport, from Fernwood in Nottinghamshire, has seen four cases of meningitis in his immediate family group in recent years. He recounts his experience here

Karen, 35, from Hemlington, Middlesbrough, has fought back from a frightening and agonising meningitis experience and turned her life around

On Sunday Fleur Rose was healthy and happy. By Monday night she was gone. Mum Liz, from Bridgnorth in Shropshire, tells their tragic story here

Smiley eight-month-old Taylor Marshall’s life changed dramatically when he fell ill with meningococcal group w meningitis and septicaemia in April

Apryl-Louise Middleton, of Gloucester, was celebrating Halloween with friends when she first noticed onset symptoms of meningitis

I would urge all parents to be mindful of the symptoms of meningitis and be assertive. I can never forgive myself for not pushing, and being the ‘good patient’ when I knew my son was desperately ill.

Seventeen-month-old Isacc was lethargic with a very high temperature so his mum, Charli Napier, of Rochester, sought medical help

In June 2015, 19-year-old Michaela set off for what she thought would be the summer of a lifetime, working on the little island of Zakynthos (Zante) in Greece