Meningitis stories

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

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

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"

58-year-old Bernard woke up on a life support machine, nine days after being sent home from hospital with a diagnosis of measles. He had contracted meningococcal septicaemia and was lucky to be alive

Despite her physical recovery, Lucy has been left with a number of after-effects after contracting MenC, including short-term memory issues and survivor guilt

Doctors initially thought Jade had a kidney infection when she became ill with a severe headache and aching muscles, but once in hospital she was diagnosed with viral meningitis

Miranda struggled to access medical help that she desperately needed when she became ill in August this year. She has now been left with severe after-effects of meningococcal meningitis

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

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