Meningitis stories

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

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

Hours after Abigail's arrival into the world, she was rushed back into hospital when she started to jerk her head and make strange noises

Doctors initially thought Jade had a kidney infection when she became ill with a severe headache and aching muscles, but once in hospital she was diagnosed with viral meningitis

Parents Emily and Adam were told to expect the worst when baby George developed complications after a diagnosis of viral meningitis