Meningitis stories

Diagnosed with meningococcal meningitis and septicaemia as a baby, Leo has been left with learning difficulties, and still faces further operations on his legs 17 years later

Ben was a drama student when he became ill with what he thought was the start of a nasty cold. He quickly deteriorated, and woke up in hospital with a diagnosis of bacterial meningococcal meningitis

Coby had symptoms of what appeared to be a slight cold; but he quickly deteriorated and died of meningococcal meningitis the following day

Mum Vicky couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong when baby Oscar cried like he'd never cried before, and rushed him to hospital - where he stayed for four weeks battling meningococcal meningitis

It's not the physical symptoms that Ashleigh remembers the most of in the hours before her diagnosis of bacterial MenB meningitis, but her change in behaviour

Chenise thought baby Harry was suffering from a tummy ache. But when he became unresponsive that afternoon and developed a slight rash, she quickly found herself running from an ambulance into A&E

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

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

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

As the only visitor allowed when her youngest daughter Primrose was rushed to A&E at the beginning of the Covid pandemic, Liana was told to prepare for the worst

October 2021 will mark 20 years since Abi contracted meningococcal septicaemia, leaving her with an acquired brain injury and painful mobility. Her mission now is to normalise mobility aids and inspire others to be proud of theirs too

Kayleigh Ann was 10 years old when she contracted meningococcal septicaemia, resulting in multiple surgeries; however, she counts herself lucky to still be here

In 1974, when the medical landscape was very different to today, Vera and Rob were told that their young son Ian's life support had been turned off after a short battle with meningococcal septicaemia

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

When Virginia's son Jamie became unwell in 1988, doctors missed the signs of meningitis. As he deteriorated, he was rushed to hospital, but tragically passed away

Hours after Liam had first complained of a sore throat and light sensitivity, he needed to be placed in an induced coma as he battled meningococcal meningitis

Tests revealed that Jamielee's baby boy Leon was suffering from meningococcal type Y, which has left him with complex after-effects; but she is so glad that she was able to bring him home