Meningitis stories

Having recovered from meningococcal septicaemia aged 2, Luke - now 21 - is raising money and awareness of meningitis

Katie was seven years old when she began to feel unwell on Christmas Eve. Luckily, her mum quickly recognised the symptoms and rushed her to hospital

Conor, one of our Believe & Achievers, has contracted meningitis on three separate occasions in the last seven years, and is encouraging everyone to be aware of their health

Emma didn't suspect meningitis when Poppy fell ill as there was no rash. Luckily, she didn't wait for one to appear before seeking medical help; something that likely saved Poppy's life

Madeleine was only given a 50/50 chance of survival when she broke out in a rash aged 2 years old. Mum Lisa tells her story

Carol tragically lost her three-year-old daughter Akira to meningitis within 24-hours of the signs and symptoms appearing.

Thanks to her dad's quick thinking, 7-year-old Kaylie quickly got the treatment she needed. Kaylie's after-effects have made things tough, but she is determined to fight and live a happy life

Quick-thinking from mum Joanne meant that 2 year old Ruaridh was treated quickly when he contracted meningococcal septicaemia. Joanne tells their story

Ethan's illness started with a "squelching" noise in his ear, but what initially seemed to be an ear infection developed into something much more serious

New Meningitis Now Social Media & Digital Editor Ashley, recounts his personal battle with meningitis when just 4 years-old.

Freddie was 19-months-old when he contracted Group A Step meningitis and encephalitis.

5 year old Archie has taken his first steps just weeks after being struck down with the life-threatening Men B infection.

Joanne’s son Nathan had many meningitis symptoms, but it took a while to diagnose he’d contracted a rare strain - Streptococcus Anginosus

Robert contracted pneumococcal meningitis and septicaemia but, thanks to quick treatment from the Royal Berkshire Hospital, made a good recovery

I feel like a very lucky person to survive such a serious illness

Ten years after Reuben became seriously ill with meningitis, mum Louise reflects on how the disease has affected him

Bryony did not suspect her 2-year-old son Mason had meningitis. A year on, he still suffers after-effects.

Like many toddlers, 3-year-old Noah had what his parents thought was a tummy bug. He became increasingly worse, until his eagle eyed Dad spotted an unusual mark under his armpit and fearing meningitis, rushed him to hospital.

William had a lumbar puncture and bloods, which revealed he had haemophilus influenza type F and septicaemia, mum Melanie tells the story

Lauren recognised her daughter was declining rapidly and fortunately she was in the right place to get her daughter the treatment she urgently needed when her meningitis was diagnosed

Julia’s young daughter Isabelle was vomiting and had a temperature. She also had a faint rash.

Nathan, from Swansea, was 11 when he fell ill during a visit to his uncle’s. He’d contracted meningitis and shortly afterwards was rushed to his hospital, where his mum was told to prepare for the worst.

One-year-old George, from Epping in Essex, became ill soon after Christmas during a family break in Brighton. There was no rash but mum Carly trusted her mother’s instinct and rushed him to hospital.

Gwen’s young son Charlie was full of energy and excitement from his birthday party but went downhill quickly. Fortunately Gwen, from Montrose, trusted her instincts and called an ambulance.

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.

Tragic toddler Jazmin was diagnosed with meningococcal septicaemia on 17 November and sadly just seven hours later she lost her life and passed away at Blackburn General Hospital, surrounded by her loving family

Gemma’s son Ben, from Milton Keynes, complained of feeling ill and a tummy ache and throughout the night was sick. The next morning he went downhill quickly, but an alert doctor suspected meningitis and started treating him.

Initially diagnosed as a viral infection at no point did Olivia develop a rash, but a lumbar puncture confirmed her meningococcal meningitis. Despite after-effects she’s made a strong recovery, as mum Emma recounts.

Hannah, from Coventry in the West Midlands, complained of earache. Her symptoms deteriorated and her parents Liz and Carl took her to the local hospital. But it took a few more hospital visits before Hannah’s illness was finally diagnosed

Nurse Sharon raced round to her friend’s house when she called to say she was worried about her son Jayden, who had been taken ill. Despite taking him straight to hospital his meningitis proved too much for him to fight though, and he sadly died

Zoe’s son Luke, from Telford in Shropshire, has suffered twice from meningitis – when he was 10-months-old in 2002 and again when he was 4 four years old. Fortunately he has survived both times although the disease has left him with after-effects, as Zoe

Kye, contracted meningococcal septicaemia C on Mothers’ Day in March this year, just six days after his baby sister Layla was born

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

Jay developed a high temperature after a morning out. But when mum Louise, from York, saw two bruise-like marks on his torso later that day and did the glass test, suspecting meningitis, she knew it was time to rush to A&E.

Seven-year-old Kieran, from Nottingham, had been ill for about two weeks with flu-like symptoms and vomiting before his pneumococcal meningitis was diagnosed and he was not expected to pull through

Mum Gabi, from Shoreham in West Sussex, talks about how she nearly lost her daughter Skye to pneumococcal meningitis

Preet's mum, Nish trusted her instincts and sought medical help from their GP leading to a quick diagnosis and treatment for her little boy.

Balloons were released to bid a final farewell to 4-year-old Lillia, who had been battling a catalogue of health problems since she fell ill with meningitis as a baby

Meningitis had already taken hold of the dinosaur-loving Henry and his parents had to face the awful decision to turn his ventilator off. Dad Mark tells their story.

Tim Fear, of Totterdown in Bristol, was one of the children caught up in the original meningitis outbreak in Stroud in the 1980s that saw the birth of Meningitis Now. He tells his story here

Young Charlie, from Bury, Lancashire, woke with a high temperature, but mum Rose thought he was just suffering from a bug that was working its way round the family. However, he had contracted meningitis, as mum Rose recounts here

Dedicated supporter Bobby Joseph has been busy spreading awareness about the disease and drumming up support for the vaccine petition

Alison, from Newport in Gwent, shares the story of how her son, Jacob, became ill with MenB and septicaemia and the after-effects with which he is now learning to live

A chance visit to the pharmacist alerted Ben’s mum Rhoda, from Wrexham, to the possibility her 2-year-old son had meningitis, when she picked up one of our signs and symptoms cards there.

Following the recent petition to increase the use of the MenB vaccine, Lynn wanted to share her story with you to offer support to others

Julie Senior, of Redditch, saw her life change in a flash as meningitis cruelly took her six-year-old daughter’s life within just 24 hours

When seven-year-old Isabelle, of Derby, came home from school feeling under the weather, her parents thought she was suffering from a stomach bug

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.

Gemma’s son Aiden fell ill in 2012 with Men B, but thankfully recovered well, although he has been left with after-effects

All Poppy wanted was to be a big sister to her baby brother Noah, but shortly after her dream came true she was struck down with meningitis

Clare’s daughter Orlagh, from Leeds in West Yorkshire, woke with a very high temperature and didn't seem herself

Kelly’s 4-year-old son Harry, from Northampton, fell ill with meningitis seven years ago

Finn was two-and-a-half years old when he contracted meningococcal septicaemia in June 2011

Vickie’s young daughter Kyra, from Feltham in Middlesex, was a beautiful, happy little girl one day but just two days later meningitis has stolen her life

Alfie fell ill with sickness and stomach pains and was initially diagnosed with a minor throat infection. But the youngster had contracted the far more serious Meningitis B

At first, Lauren thought her eight-year-old daughter Georgia, from Livingston in West Lothian, was coming down with conjunctivitis

Trembling, a temperature, cold hands and feet and vomiting first alerted Gemma Lessells, of Fife, that there was something very wrong with her little boy, Matthew

It took three visits to hospital before 19-month-old Isla was diagnosed with meningococcal group B meningitis and septicaemia

A rash was one of the last signs that eight-year-old Mia had contracted meningococcal group B meningitis and encephalitis in January last year

A high temperature, lethargy and a grumpy mood alerted mum, Kathleen Burn, of Northumberland, that there was something wrong with her little boy, Stanley

Beren, 6, from Pontypridd, was usually full of energy, but after going swimming he became lethargic and complained of a headache

Lynda’s young daughter Ulaani had a very high temperature and cold hands and feet

Laura’s sister Michelle, from Sunderland, fell ill at the age of 11 and sadly lost her life to meningitis. Laura urges everyone to learn the signs and symptoms in memory of her sister.

Emma’s daughter Eva was unwell for a few days in February 2014 with fever, vomiting and drowsiness, and she had difficulty waking her

Diane’s six-month-old son Riley, from Lichfield in Staffordshire, was sleepy and irritable in July 2013

When she took him to the local walk-in centre she noticed a pinprick rash developing in front of her eyes. Thankfully her action meant Jack received prompt treatment and he has recovered well from bacterial meningitis.

Devastated mum Jade, 21, of Witham in Essex, held the hand of her precious angel Amelia as she died from meningitis. She tells their sad story here

She was rushed to hospital, where a viral infection was diagnosed. This later changed to meningococcal septicaemia. Fortunately Evie-Mae pulled through with no serious lasting damage, but it was a scary time for the family. Claire tells their story.

Anita, of Swindon, saw her worst nightmare become reality when her 18-month old son, Samuel, contracted meningitis in January this year

Young Kassius avoided the flu that affected his family, but little did any of them guess he was about to be hit with something even worse

Christina’s daughter, Amelie, was suffering from tonsillitis when she first started showing signs of meningitis

When 17 year old Shelby from Bolton, went to babysit her brother, nothing could have prepared her for the devastating events that would follow

On July 30th 2013 18-month-old Leighton, from Kirkby in Liverpool, was struck down with meningitis and septicaemia

In October 2014, 11-year-old Nathaniel Gate, of Reading, was sent home from school with a high temperature and later began vomiting violently, his parents contacted the out of hours GP

Despite her concerns, worried mother Lesley Swift, 26, was unable to get a doctor to visit her seven-year-old daughter, Lauren

Kathryn, of Gateshead, was told her son, Kieron, aged 17 months, had bronchitis in January this year, but before long he was fighting for his life with meningitis

Heather Douglas, from Dromore in County Down, thought her 20-month-old daughter Poppy had the symptoms of a cold, but an alert GP spotted something more serious and sent the youngster straight to hospital

Flu-like symptoms were the first sign that one-year-old Chantelle was unwell

Baby Rubie Fisher was just six weeks old when bacterial meningitis stole her short life

Just days before contracting a disease that would rapidly take his life, three-year-old Joshua Bromwich was running around with his friends as normal

Nine-year-old Aysha Riley-Marsh arrived home from school on 10 February 2015 with a headache and fever

Maison Farmer, Swindon, battles everyday with the severe after-effects bacterial meningitis can cause. He contracted the disease in March 2012, just twelve weeks after he was born

Brave youngster Shae, aged 3, lost his battle to meningitis B and septicaemia just hours after he was rushed to hospital

It was the morning of 26 August 2010 and baby Harley Jones drank his milk as normal, but, he soon became floppy and grey, with a bulging fontanelle and was staring with sunken eyes

When baby Joel began to run a temperature on 16 December 2003, concerned mother, Kirbbi Bucknall, took him to see her midwife

Jo’s son Harry, then aged 5, from Burgess Hill in West Sussex, fell ill in October 2013. Initially he had a headache, joint pain, a high temperature and was very sleepy

When nine-day-old Charlie became irritable and unsettled, new mother Leah Cormack trusted her instincts and called for help. Little did she know that he was suffering from a life-threatening disease

On 25th March 2015, Evan from Plymouth, contracted Meningitis B and Septicaemia and sadly passed away just hours later

Vincent’s story begins in June 2013 when he was just four months old. His mother, Gemma Muckle, recalls the moment her son was diagnosed with bacterial meningococcal septicaemia

When five week old Harry wouldn’t wake for his feed, concerned mother, Helen Burnett, took him to A&E to get him checked over

Two-year-old Bella, from Alfreton in Derbyshire, went to hospital five times before her meningitis was diagnosed. But it was the best Christmas present the family could have wished for when she finally responded to treatment

Five-year-old Bradley contracted meningococcal meningitis and septicaemia six months ago. He also had two mini strokes and was given only a 5% chance of surviving. But the plucky youngster, from Plymouth, has bounced back with no long-term after-effects.

Twenty-month-old Daniel, from Newton Abbot in Devon, woke at 6am with a high temperature. He was sleepy and moaning when he saw his GP later that day, who immediately gave him antibiotics and called an ambulance

Bereaved Hull mum Claire Newman has been campaigning tirelessly since Liam was struck down by meningitis aged six.

Liam was a fit and healthy footballer, who fell ill with swine flu shortly after his 13th birthday. It is thought the virus weakened his immune system and meant he was unable to battle the meningitis bug. His parents Andy and Georgina have raised over £50

Helen fell desperately ill with the brain bug and it initially left her unable to walk and facing a long recovery period. But the youngster has battled her way back to full health.

Julie’s son Joshua contracted viral meningitis when he was 8-years-old. He suffered headaches, sickness and flu-like symptoms and was taken to the doctor

Little Ruby Burrell was just 21-months-old when she was struck down by meningitis and died within hours of showing any symptoms.

When Pauline Egan's son fell ill with meningitis his condition deteriorated fast.

It was just after New Year when three-year-old Luka became ill. It started with irritability and a high temperature but quickly progressed from there. Mum Paula, from Richmond in Yorkshire, picks up their story.

Jackie Hill's day started like any other but when her daughter Corrine fell ill she had no idea how it would affect her, Corrine's sister Jodee and the rest of the family.

Our Ambassador Petra Stunt, née Ecclestone, was struck down with viral meningitis as a teenager

Lennon had already had various medical problems from the age of six months. Then, in July 2012 when he was three years old, he was diagnosed with viral meningitis.

Steve Dayman can still remember the moment his wife rang him to say their infant son Spencer was ill. More than 32 years later Steve is still fighting to stop more lives being devastated by meningitis.

Noah, 7, contracted meningitis when he was just 16 months old. The disease left him fighting for his life. Thankfully, Noah won his battle, but as a cruel reminder of the pain his family had to endure, meningitis left him profoundly deaf

Determined Charlotte is a little miracle after meningitis almost took her young life in December 2010. Despite losing all four limbs to meningococcal septicaemia, she's facing every challenge head on and is an inspiration to her parents Jenny and Alex

Eliza brought tears to her consultants’ eyes when she walked out of hospital after battling pneumococcal meningitis. Her mum Pauline tells her story.

Thirteen-month-old Elise was suffering from sickness, fever and lethargy in March 2014 before pneumococcal meningitis was diagnosed.

Marina’s daughter Eve was just 6 when she contracted Meningitis B and septicaemia in February 2013. Thankfully, she went on to make a good recovery and win an award for 'Determination and Dedication' at her dance schoo

Tracey’s 15-year-old daughter Sarah, from Skegness in Lincolnshire, had a headache for three days before she was admitted to hospital.

The Dancy family were enjoying a summer break when little Alicja fell ill with a deadly strain of meningococcal septicaemia.

Carli will never forget the day her daughter Khiara fell ill with meningitis. Here she tells how the youngster fought for her life as the deadly bug took hold.

Declan's mum Lisa will never forget her son's second Christmas - it was the time she nearly lost him to a rare strain of meningitis.

In April 2010, two year-old, Alissa Chowdhury was lying in a hospital bed after losing her legs and right hand after contracting meningococcal meningitis and septicaemia.

Alkin fell ill with meningitis shortly after Christmas in 2009. The speed at which he fell ill, and the emotional rollercoaster that was to follow, has made his family realise just how lucky they are that he pulled through.

Andy Hall knew something wasn't right with his granddaughter Taylor-Rae when he was babysitting her one weekend. But he had no idea just how ill she would get.

Aaliyah's family were proud of their little princess and how she was overcoming being born without a hip. But, tragedy struck in 2009 when she fell ill with meningitis.

Toddler Georgia's death hit the headlines in August 2009 after doctors twice misdiagnosed her as having swine flu. Her parents Paul and Tasha have embarked on a fundraising mission in her memory.

Little fighter Robbie has captured people's hearts with his bravery after losing both legs to meningococcal septicaemia. They were amputated as he battled back from the brink of death at just 23-months-old.

Rory fell ill with meningitis on November 25, 2007, and was fighting for life in hospital when he was also struck down with haemolytic-uremic syndrome - a rare but severe condition which causes kidney failure.

In October 2007, Helen’s daughter, Jasmine, started to feel ill. Within hours, a rash had covered her body and she would later be diagnosed with the ‘C’ strain of meningococcal meningitis.

Jackie and Ray Finch have raised an amazing £100,000 since their son Martin died.

Ashley was a typical fun-loving mischievous boy who filled the hearts of so many people

Parents Ron and Alison Noble tell the story of how meningitis took their beloved tot Siobhan. Now they want to raise awareness and find a vaccine to wipe out the dreaded disease.