Meningitis stories

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

Now 15, Luke was 8 weeks old when he contracted meningococcal septicaemia, resulting in him losing the digits on his left hand

Mum Arlene could only watch in horror as a purple rash spread over 5-year-old Leon's body as he battled MenB and septicaemia

If Ellamae hadn't returned home after attending a funeral, she would never have found brother Harrison - who had collapsed - in time to save him

Katie thought that there was more to her daughter's illness than just chicken pox; luckily, she trusted her instincts, as Tilly had contracted deadly meningococcal septicaemia

After spending five days in a coma, Lindsey has been left with no hearing in her left ear after contracting meningococcal meningitis and septicaemia

Patricia misses her son all the time - but especially at Christmas - after he died of meningococcal septicaemia in 1998

Lauren thought that George had picked up a cold, but his condition deteriorated rapidly overnight and he was rushed into High Dependency

Amanda thought son Patrick had chicken pox after having his childhood vaccinations, but as his condition worsened he was diagnosed with meningococcal septicaemia

21-year-old Saracens and England rugby player Rosie is fighting fit after being hospitalised with meningococcal septicaemia back in September

Sixteen-year-old Courtney is slowly recovering, 11 months after being hospitalised with meningococcal septicaemia

Alice had been given the MenACWY vaccine, but didn't recognise the symptoms. Luckily, she called her mum, who got her to hospital in time to be treated for meningitis and septicaemia

After contracting meningococcal septicaemia as a 2-year-old, Xavier, now 22, has been left with severe after-effects. Mum Lynn tells their story

By the time Emily was admitted to hospital for the third time, she only had a 10% chance of survival. Mum Bex recounts her harrowing experience

Holly was on her way to Norway for work when she started feeling unwell at the airport. Deemed unfit to fly, her symptoms worsened until she was rushed to hospital with a tell-tale rash

In what would have been Craig's 30th year, Meningitis Now supporter and mum Vicky recounts the heartbreaking story of losing her eight week old baby boy

When Mac - then seven months old - became unsettled, mum Rachel felt that he was more ill than doctors thought. She was soon proved correct

Now an adult, Sian was just two years old when she contracted meningococcal meningitis and septicaemia. Luckily, her mum recognised her symptoms from one of our leaflets

Living alone, Robert was lucky to be found after collapsing at home. Once admitted to hospital and placed in a coma, his condition deteriorated; 11 months on he is still suffering from after-effects

After contracting meningococcal septicaemia as a baby, Nicole has been left unable to do anything for herself. Mum Linda shares their story