Meningitis stories

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

As baby Connor was being treated for viral meningitis, mum Claire was told that if she hadn't brought him to hospital when she did then things would have been a lot worse

Baby Charlie was irritable, unsettled and screaming when he was picked up. A series of tests later it was confirmed that Charlie had contracted viral meningitis

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

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

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"

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

Rhys is a "healthy, sociable 19-year-old" - but after contracting pneumococcal meningitis as a baby, the outcome could have been very different, as mum Emma tells us

Since contracting pneumococcal meningitis as a baby, Sophia has been left with complex and life-long after-effects; but as mum Joanna explains, these do not define her

Connie was feverish and lethargic, but when her fontanelle started bulging, her parents knew they had to get help - quickly

Chris was forced to resuscitate his four-day-old daughter Skye when she stopped breathing while feeding and went limp. Mum Sophie shares their story

Baby Ellie was originally placed on a Covid ward when she was rushed to hospital on Father's Day last year, but by midnight she was being treated for meningitis