Meningitis stories

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

Joanna was not expected to survive when she contracted meningitis and septicaemia; luckily she pulled through, but the disease has left her with lifelong after-effects

Meningitis can strike and kill quickly, Anthony tragically lost his life to meningococcal septicaemia the day after the first symptoms appeared.

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

Chloe had been feeling under the weather, but when her condition worsened it became obvious to mum Rebecca that something was seriously wrong

When Noah became unwell at seven-weeks, mum Hannah suspected meningitis despite him not displaying the classic signs and symptoms.

Tyler contracted meningitis at just six-months old. Her GP identified a concern quickly and she was immediately sent to hospital.

Logan was 5 months old when he started displaying some signs of meningitis just after the New Year

Freya contracted bacterial meningitis (Men B) in 2016, she recovered well but did suffer some significant after-effects.

Vinnie contracted meningococcal meningitis, but fortunately mum Gemma immediately noticed the signs and symptoms

Jodie was three months old when she was hospitalised with meningococcal meningitis

When Henry contract meningococcal meningitis (strain Men Y), he was initially treated for a viral infection.

Katie had been experiencing joint pain, but when she awoke with a searing headache she rushed straight to hospital; it was only later that more symptoms appeared

Michelle contracted meningitis at 20-months-old back in 1980.

Jacob had the misfortune to be diagnosed with meningitis three times in his short life, both bacterial and viral meningitis, which he contracted twice

Barnaby, now 10 years old, was just 6 months when he was diagnosed with meningococcal meningitis. Mum Nicola tells their story

Within a couple of hours, Luca had gone from his usual bouncy self to hot and shivery. Mum Melissa tells their story

Jordan, from Canvey Island in Essex, showed no signs of meningitis until a rash appeared. Jordan was in intensive care for just over two weeks.

Barry contracted Meningococcal meningitis in 2008. Sadly, he passed away just weeks before he was due to get married.

Jo Haslam from Bury, Lancashire, contracted Meningococcal meningitis in January

24-year-old Ashley was on holiday when he became ill with bacterial meningitis. Fortunately, he got the treatment he needed to save his life but he has been left with after-effects

In the time we were there she had two blood transfusions and went into cardiac arrest six times before they told me they could do no more to save my baby

Sheryl tragically lost her partner Stephen last year after he contracted meningococcal meningitis.

When Helen was a teenager, her family were told to prepare for the worst when she was diagnosed with meningococcal septicaemia. 21 years on, she is taking on some of our most gruelling challenges

Theresa's mum Irene was 70 years old when she contracted meningococcal meningitis and septicaemia. Theresa recounts their story here.

Mark was just one year old when he contracted meningococcal septicaemia in 2003.

I'm always scared that she could get unwell with meningitis again.

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

Peter pulled through but has been left with lifelong after-effects. He tells his story as a meningitis survivor here

Katrina was rushed to hospital where meningococcal meningitis and septicaemia were diagnosed.

Nickie’s young son Lucas, from Normanton in West Yorkshire, contracted meningococcal meningitis and septicaemia when he was just 1 in 2011

When the consultant said meningococcal septicaemia it felt like our lives were falling apart. His rash didn’t develop until he was in PICU

Jeanette, from Sandown in the Isle of Wight, contracted meningococcal septicaemia over 50 years ago when she was 23

Suspecting something more serious Penny took her daughter to A&E. She was right – Bethany had contracted meningococcal septicaemia. She recounts their experience here

They told me they needed to see Aimee within the hour. ‘As you know, she has symptoms of meningitis, it may not be that, but we need to rule it out

Autumn had seemed her normal self all day, until 9pm when she started screaming. Her mum Gemma shares their story, and emphasises the importance of knowing the signs and symptoms of meningitis.

Despite having had her Men ACWY vaccination, the 18-year-old had contracted meningococcal meningitis, read more here

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

Claire, from Worksop in Nottinghamshire, fell ill when she was 18 in 1991. She initially had flu-like symptoms but when a ‘blood blister like rash’ appeared

Maxine’s six-month-old daughter Minnie-Rose cried when she was held and wouldn’t eat or drink. Because she was in physical pain Maxine took her to hospital, where they noticed purple spots on her legs.

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.

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

Emma’s young daughter Ellie, from Great Barr in Birmingham, was very sleepy, had a high temperature and was irritable, fortunately they got there in time and Ellie has made a good recovery from bacterial meningitis

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

Carl's two year old daughter Naomi Elizabeth contracted meningitis and septicaemia just a week after a work colleague tragically died from the disease

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.

Alison’s baby son Harry, from Addlestone in Surrey, went to bed full of smiles and everything seemed normal. But the next morning things were very different – Harry was floppy, pale and his breathing was very slow. It was clear he needed to go to hospital

Donna’s daughter Evie was usually a happy baby, and the experienced mum, from Carlisle in Cumbria, knew something was wrong when she wasn’t her normal happy self. Even so, she had to persevere to get Evie’s meningitis diagnosed. She tells their story here

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.

Kerrie’s baby son Ollie had cold-like symptoms, was greyish in colour and feverish, but four visits to the doctors failed to establish the cause. When he became worse Kerrie, from Holywood in County Down, rushed him to hospital

Psychology student, Abigail didn’t realise her sore throat and temperature were the start of her ordeal with meningitis

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

Meningitis Now supported me emotionally to get over the trauma and devastation of having to deal with a baby with meningitis in the fresh moments after

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

Meningitis has struck Helen’s family twice – once with devastating consequences when it took her sister Sarah’s life and then again last year when her baby daughter Lois contracted viral meningitis at just eight days old

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

Leo’s mum Leanne, from Bargoed in Mid Glamorgan, was alerted to her son’s illness when she noticed his raised soft spot and high pitched cry

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

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

Dean Lahan, 18, of Stockport, lost his right leg and most of his fingers when he contracted meningococcal meningitis in 1999, aged just 18 months old

Faye, of Newcastle upon Tyne, fell ill with meningitis as a four-month-old

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

In June 2013, six-month-old Jude spent week in intensive care after he contracted meningococcal septicaemia.

Meningitis stole young Sam’s life in just four-and-a-half hours. Mum Kat, from Lincoln, recounts their sad story

Originally misdiagnosed with a virus she was later found to have Meningitis B and septicaemia. Fortunately, the cheeky youngster has bounced back. Natalie tells their story.

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

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

30-year-old Bronwyn, from Cambridge, contracted meningococcal septicaemia in 2002 as a teenager

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

Zara Alam was a happy and active 13-month-old when she was cruelly taken from her loving parents within 24 hours of contracting meningitis

Doctors were running out of options as 14-month-old Oscar’s condition rapidly deteriorated after he contracted meningococcal meningitis in January this year

Anna Bradshaw, of Coalville, came face-to-face with death when she contracted meningococcal septicaemia and stopped breathing three times while in intensive care

Kayleigh Duncan, 23, of Essex, was celebrating the birth of her baby sister, Rihanna, a time which should have bought joy and celebration to all her family

19-year-old Teaching Assistant, Emily Styles, had her whole life ahead of her when she was suddenly struck down with meningococcal meningitis on New Year’s Eve 2013

Tanya Buin, 21 of Manchester, found it hard to cope when she heard the shocking news that her baby sister, Danni, had contracted meningococcal septicaemia in April 2008

A high pitched cry alerted mother, Claire Fisk, of Prescot, that something was not right with her eight-month-old son, Harry

When her baby girl came down with a soaring temperature, quick-thinking mother, Becky Preece of Shrewsbury, trusted her instincts and phoned for help

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

Rebecca’s son Duke, of Leyland in Lancashire, woke up happy and smiling and waiting for his morning cuddle. He showed no signs of illness during the day but that night his mother noticed a rash on his body

In the summer of 1976, Mark Cranston was diagnosed with meningococcal meningitis

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

Emma, 35, from Luton was returning from a family break in Blackpool when she began to feel ill. Initially flu was suspected, but as a rash developed Emma realised she needed to get to hospital

When Michelle, from Newry in Northern Ireland, discovered a rash on her baby Ollie’s tummy in mid-March he was whisked straight to hospital

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

Fourteen-month-old Coby Knighton’s chance of survival was 50:50 as he spent six days in an induced coma.

Sophie, 23, from Reigate in Surrey, counts herself as fortunate to be alive after contracting meningococcal meningitis and septicaemia

Lillie Mai, of Maryport in Cumbria, was a healthy and happy 14-week-old when she developed a runny nose and got the shivers. There were no obvious signs of meningitis and first-time mum Belinda thought she’d just come down with the cold she’d had the week

Teenager Jade, from Sandhurst in Berkshire, had a horrible time with meningococcal meningitis, with the police being called when she was violent, even though she was unconscious

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.

Emma Cowey's son Jamie woke up feeling fine but died within 24 hours of meningitis. Here she tells how her darling baby boy fell victim to the killer disease.

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

Kelly Crisp and Warren Morgan, from Hertfordhire, have been dedicated to fundraising after the devastating brain bug killed their two-year-old daughter Jessica in 2005.

George Lane from Huddersfield is determined he won't live in fear of the potentially deadly brain bug meningitis which has attacked his body four times.

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

Some people are lucky enough to survive meningitis, but even then the effects can be long-lasting, for both the patient and their family and friends. Philipa Coughlan knows all too well the horror of this disease.

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.

Elliott fell ill at just seven weeks old, when a rash covered his body in just four minutes. The drama unfolded on the day of his mum Louisa's work Christmas party. She believes that had she not checked on him after the party then he might have been dead.

Linda Richardson had been out Christmas shopping with her daughter Lisa. The next day the teenager fell ill with meningitis.

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

Little Owain was just 15-months-old when he fell ill, a "horrific" experience which has prompted his family to fundraise for Meningitis Now.

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

Manchester Evening News columnist Ray King described his own family's anguish when his granddaughter Isabelle fell ill with one of the deadliest strains of meningitis.

Out of the blue, the 16-year-old’s life changed irrevocably. Sophia contracted meningococcal septicaemia.

Millie, from New Mills in Derbyshire’s High Peak, was a perfectly well and healthy 10 month old baby the day before she became poorly. She went to bed as normal but woke that night at 4am screaming. Mother Sophie takes up the story.

It was just three days before Ellie Mae’s first birthday when her mother, Kelly, noticed a small purple bruise on her forehead.

Grace, seven, became ill after an exciting and busy day spending her Christmas money in the sales. She was vomiting, had a high temperature, was lethargic and had a grey complexion.

Leo was born six weeks early. He became ill on Christmas Eve and needed surgery for a strangulated hernia. He returned home and all seemed well but, at the end of January when he was 14-weeks-old, he was grizzly and had a high temperature.

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.

Nine-month-old Cían, from Craigavon in Armagh, had a high temperature, cried when he was lifted and had cold hands and feet. The out of hours doctor put the symptoms down to teething but 12 hours later mum Caitriona noticed a rash...

Matthew, from Cornwall, was just five and a half months old when he came down with meningococcal meningitis and septicaemia in April 2007.

When student Saleem Akintoye spent the day in bed with a hangover, no one suspected he was about to die from meningitis

Mattia's mum Aurelie retells of the day her baby was struck down and how much she thanks the quick-thinking doctors for saving her boy's life

Promising rugby player Mathew Johnstone is learning how to walk again after the brain bug nearly killed him just days after his 17th birthday

Louie was just five months old when he contracted meningococcal meningitis and septicaemia in January 2012. He lost both legs as a result, and recently took his first steps in prosthetic limbs.

Riley, now six, contracted meningitis and septicaemia aged one, which left him with multiple amputations and scarring. Here his mum, Bev, tells his story

In December 2010, Bahman Jamalaldini thought he was coming down with a cold. On December 21 he went to bed early and in the early hours of the morning he was vomiting, had diarrhoea, he felt cold and had muscle and joint pain

Lyndon is a Young Ambassador for Meningitis Now. He lost his legs, part of his right arm and the tips of the fingers on his other hand when he contracted meningitis and meningococcal septicaemia when eight and a half months old.

Alison’s eight year old son, Alex, contracted meningococcal septicaemia on her wedding day; within hours Alex had gone from feeling a little ill to being kept alive by a life support machine

Nikki Busby was looking forward to her son Kadyn's first Christmas when the tot was struck down with meningitis. Here heartbroken Nikki shares her story

In March 2013, Noah, Gareth Stephenson’s eight month old son, started to become unwell with lethargy and sickness. Gareth could never have imagined the devastation that would follow, as Noah was diagnosed with meningococcal meningitis and septicaemia resu

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.

In early 2001 the lives of two sets of families in Chester took on a cruel and tragic parallel when their teenage children, who had grown up together, were both killed by meningococcal disease

Teacher Kevin Leaver died from meningococcal septicaemia just hours after being admitted to hospital. Here his wife Lesley tells his story

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

Wendy MacDonald, from Salisbury, was happily married to her husband Duncan for almost nine years when he started having flu-like symptoms in January 2012. Wendy could never have imagined the devastation that would follow.

When Michelle Atkinson started feeling ill at work she thought it was probably flu. But the Bristol mother’s symptoms quickly worsened, leaving her life in danger

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

Tara’s seven-month-old daughter Amelia Jane Luisa Winfield, from Horsham in West Sussex, had cold-like symptoms, a runny nose, temperature and a loss of appetite. Her GP suggested Nurofen but the symptoms persisted and, when a rash started to appear, Amel

On Christmas Day 2011, one-year-old Mason should have been opening his presents with his family. Instead, Mason’s mum, Lauren, woke to find her son so ill that he had to be taken to hospital

Meningitis nearly killed me, but I'd still rather it happen to me than an innocent child

Maz Nolan's partner Clare Streeter tells of how meningitis and septicaemia took Maz within hours. Now she wants to do all she can to raise awareness and tell people not to wait for a rash.

Louise’s son, Cavan, was only a few months old when he became unwell in April 2012. He was later diagnosed with type b meningococcal meningitis and septicaemia.

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.

Little Ava grew increasingly ill and kept vomiting. Her mum trusted her instincts and got her to hospital. She spent weeks battling the disease with medical help. Sadly, she lost her toes, but is now doing well and dancing

Kayleigh Bussey knew something was wrong when her daughter Lucie refused a feed. As her daughter became more and more ill she faced every parent's worst nightmare, her daughter had meningitis.

When Andrew Hession fell ill his family thought it was due to the diabetes he'd suffered from since he was a child. But the 21-year-old died within hours from meningitis.

Daniel tells about how he thought he had the flu, but was soon in hospital fighting meningococcal septicaemia, which means he now uses a wheelchair.

In December 2010 Bev Frank, from Leeds, was looking forward to Christmas with her children. Then, her youngest son, Micheal, contracted meningococcal meningitis and their lives were turned upside down.

Daniel Halford was just 18 when he died from meningitis after complaining of a headache just hours before.

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.

When Joanna Rigby fell ill at work she thought she was coming down with flu but her condition worsened and she was rushed to hospital with meningitis.

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.

Brave Marshall fell ill with meningitis just days after his first birthday, causing him to lose both his hands and legs to septicaemia. His family and friends have rallied round to raise tens of thousands of pounds to fund prosthetic limbs.

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.

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.

On December 10, 2006, Russell and Suzanne Elliott had been out for the day and little baby Liam had his usual sleep in the car on the way home, so he was full of energy by the time the family got back home that evening.

Quentin and Surj Stott's story is sadly one of many tragedies of losing a loved one to meningitis. They were a family of five, who suddenly became four with the loss of Dylan.

From the age of 14, Helen had always wanted to become a nursery nurse and worked hard to secure her qualifications. She qualified in January 2001 but in May of that year, Helen called her parents to say that she was feeling unwell.

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

Jodie contacted us to share her story, which she has written as part of her health and social care course at college. Here's what she learnt about how ill she was at the age of just six months old.