Meningitis stories

Just a few days after Christmas, Lesley's daughter Eva had a high temperature and didn't like being handled. After numerous tests in hospital, she was diagnosed with viral meningitis

When Anna's daughter Francesca became unsettled with a very high temperature, she knew something was wrong. However, meningitis never crossed Anna's mind and the diagnosis was a shock.

Toby was checked and sent home but then that night pneumococcal meningitis and septicaemia attacked our baby.

Emma's son Matthew contracted meningitis when he was a baby, and has been left with after effects including learning difficulties.

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

Meningitis laid Dave low two years ago, he’s taking on a professional wrestler to raise funds for Meningitis Now!

Eliza was 10 months old when she contracted bacterial pneumococcal meningitis with septicaemia on the 24th May 2017

Teresa’s daughter Rosie contracted viral meningitis nearly two years ago and until a few weeks ago was still suffering chronic after-effects

Kate thought her new-born baby Oscar was laughing, but his 'laugh' was actually grunting, which is a sign of meningitis in babies. Kate tells us their story

Laura was 20 years old when she came down with what she thought was a bout of flu. Her symptoms continued to get worse until she lost consciousness and was diagnosed with meningitis

Tests confirmed that Theo had E. coli sepsis, meningitis. He remained on IV antibiotics for three weeks, so we lived on the children's ward

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

Michelle's daughter Orla was unsettled and clingy but initially had no other symptoms. On advice from their GP they went to their nearest hospital. Here Michelle explains how it only took 10 minutes for more alarming symptoms to develop

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

Trusting her instincts, Catherine felt there was more to it. She was right, Jess had viral meningitis

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

Tests showed Emily had contracted viral meningitis. Mum Tracey tells their story

An ambulance was called and hospital doctors swiftly diagnosed Nicola with viral meningitis. The 33-year-old mum tells her story 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

Demi contracted streptococcal meningitis, which has left her with lifelong after-effects. Rhiannon, from Haverfordwest in Pembrokeshire tells their story here

Aria was just 6 weeks old when she became unwell with a high temperature and lack of appetite. Here, her mum Cara tells us their story

Baby Ethan has had a difficult first few months of life after contracting meningitis very soon after birth

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.

Like many people who survive both the viral and bacterial forms of meningitis, Thomas wasn’t the same afterwards.

Cadey, from Blackpool in Lancashire, was training as a student nurse when she contracted viral meningitis in April, she tells her story here

Within two hours it had been confirmed that Cathy had bacterial meningitis

Thirty-year-old flight attendant Victoria, from Ilchester in Somerset, was struck down with viral meningitis last September.

During what she thought was a routine check-up that Donna discovered her daughter had contracted viral meningitis

I had the Meningitis Now app and looked at the other symptoms. One of them was to check the soft spot. I did; it was rock hard and sticking up. Then I knew

Stephanie’s son Rafe entered the world early, already fighting a severe bacterial infection.

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

Hannah was 15 and on a school trip when she started to feel ill with a headache. Doctors initially thought she had a 'bad case of flu', but luckily one doctor disagreed, and suspected meningitis.

Once Ruby was diagnosed with meningitis they changed her antibiotics to something stronger. She was in hospital for a week and had a feeding tube to help with feeds and a blood test every day or two days

A lumbar puncture confirmed meningitis and, for a while, her family thought they were going to lose her. She felt so too.

Like many toddlers, 3-year-old Noah had what his parents thought was a tummy bug. He became increasingly worse, until his eagle eyed Dad spotted an unusual mark under his armpit and fearing meningitis, rushed him to hospital.

At only two weeks old Tiana was unsettled and refusing to feed. Here, her mum Samantha recalls the day her daughter was diagnosed with meningitis

Naomi’s two-week-old daughter Emily had a slight temperature that just kept rising. Emily had picked up this virus from somewhere and it had got into her spinal fluid and resulted in viral meningitis

William had a lumbar puncture and bloods, which revealed he had haemophilus influenza type F and septicaemia, mum Melanie tells the story

Lauren recognised her daughter was declining rapidly and fortunately she was in the right place to get her daughter the treatment she urgently needed when her meningitis was diagnosed

By her own admission young mum Kaytee didn't know much about meningitis, so when her son Ari became unwell she didn't think it could be the potentially life threatening disease. Kaytee shares their experience, urging other parents not to wait for a rash.

Sinead’s young son Alex was very sleepy and had a high temperature. The young mum, from Lisnaskea in Co. Fermanagh knew something was badly wrong and her doctor agreed

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

Rebecca and Chris's son Oliver was just six-weeks-old when he became very unsettled, stopped taking his milk and developed a very high temperature. The youngster, from Milton Keynes, had contracted bacterial meningitis

Born prematurely at 35 weeks, Grayson was born with meningitis, weighing a tiny 4 lb 0.8oz. He was grunting, crying constantly and wouldn’t eat

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

Jude was born premature with many health problems, and contracted meningitis when he was at his most vulnerable. His mum Laura describes how they coped in those first few weeks.

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.

Dance student Jessie has been struck down by viral meningitis twice since first contracting it in April 2015. She has been told she has Mollaret’s Meningitis, a recurring form of the disease, and lives under the shadow of it returning.

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.

Yasmin's baby daughter Amber from Sidcup, Kent contracted viral meningitis

Nineteen-year-old Kieran, from Glasgow, fell ill with bacterial meningitis seven years ago. Extensive physio helped his recovery but his confidence had taken a knock and he suffered anxiety about returning to school.

Nicola’s dad Graham contracted meningitis and septicaemia in January 15 years ago. It left him with life-changing after-effects. She recounts their story here

Nikki, from Belper in Derbyshire, was not expected to survive, let alone thrive after contracting meningitis at birth. She did, and now a spirited 22-year-old, has proved everybody wrong and is an inspiration for others. She tells her story here

Three-week-old Andy from Kettlebridge in Fife wouldn't feed, was screaming and running a temperature. It was a bank holiday so his anxious mum, Linsey, was advised to take him straight to hospital.

Jack’s parents Steve and Hayley, from Evesham in Worcestershire, are convinced their fast action in getting him to hospital, suspecting meningitis when he first became ill saved his life. Steve recounts their story here

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.

Andrea’s baby son Harris contracted viral meningitis not once but twice in the first few weeks of his young life. Thankfully the plucky youngster fought back both times and is now doing fine. Andrea, from Cumbernauld, tells their story here

Hayley, from Saltash in Cornwall, suffered unbearable headaches and specialists discovered a defect in the base of her skull, which explains why she was prone to meningitis. She tells her story here

Thirty-year-old Amy, from Seddons Farm in Lancashire, fell ill with meningitis in summer 1992. She remembers having a headache, stiff neck and being delirious but not much else.

It was the start of meningitis, but thankfully over time the 32-year-old from Leigh in Lancashire made a good recovery. She tells her story here

Tests in hospital revealed bacterial meningitis from E coli. Mum Nicola, from Bishops Stortford in Hertfordshire, recounts their story here

Bernadette was booked in for an elective c-section and her son Elijah arrived safe and well. But at the same time she became ill with a rare form of meningitis and has little recollection of his birth and the preceding weeks.

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.

Emily from Northamptonshire had no idea that baby Polly's bad mood was an early symptom of meningitis. Thankfully she got medical help and thankfully she made a full recovery

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

Angela's son Ashton was clingy, had a temperature and didn't want to lie flat - she had no idea these were the early symptoms of pneumococcal meningitis

Linda’s son Jackson became ill just a fortnight after birth with late onset Strep B meningitis. Fortunately the youngster has bounced back strongly, and at his recent six month check has reached all his milestones to become a happy, healthy and smiley bab

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

Claire, from Walthamstow, is a strong supporter of vaccines to fight meningitis. She tells her son Felix’s story, which explains why

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

Joe Johnson from Coventry shared his family’s concerns when his mum, Fiona became increasingly unwell. Little did they know that she had contracted meningitis

Leanne knew her newborn baby daughter Ava was not right, but doctor after doctor didn’t listen to her maternal instinct or connect Ava’s high-pitched screams and high temperatures with her mother’s Strep B during pregnancy

Kye, contracted meningococcal septicaemia C on Mothers’ Day in March this year, just six days after his baby sister Layla was born

Bristol mum Rachel was used to her young son Max having the sniffles, but she knew straight away when he came down with something more serious. She tells their story here

Nineteen-year-old Taylor, from Harlow in Essex, had a very bad headache, temperature and was vomiting and delusional. She had contracted bacterial meningitis. She tells her story here

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.

Liam, from Thatcham in Berkshire, had an unusual high-pitched cry when he was born and his breathing was laboured. Liam had contracted meningitis, but fortunately responded well to treatment. Mum Claire tells their story here

Baby Oliver’s pneumococcal meningitis was first diagnosed as just a Christmas cold. But mum Laura, from Grantham in Lincolnshire, persevered and eventually he was admitted to hospital. Despite being left with after-effects he is now a happy, funny and qui

Myrian, 42, from London, felt ‘not quite right’ for a while before suddenly being struck with the most intense headache. She’d contracted viral meningitis and following what was, at times, a dark and frightening experience.

In 2011 Clarissa’s daughter Aleisha contracted pneumococcal meningitis at 13-weeks-old, changing all their lives. As Clarissa puts it, ‘The unknown was about to hit us.’ She tells their story here

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.

Seven-year-old Kieran, from Nottingham, had been ill for about two weeks with flu-like symptoms and vomiting before his pneumococcal meningitis was diagnosed and he was not expected to pull through

Abbie’s five-week-old son Leo, from Weymouth in Dorset, was a sickly baby, which was why the family did not immediately recognise how poorly he was, with what turned out to be viral meningitis, here is what happened

Mum Gabi, from Shoreham in West Sussex, talks about how she nearly lost her daughter Skye to pneumococcal meningitis

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

Karen, 35, from Hemlington, Middlesbrough, has fought back from a frightening and agonising meningitis experience and turned her life around

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

Hannah, from Chester le Street in County Durham, put her baby daughter Aubrey’s illness down to a tummy bug initially. But when her temperature shot up they rushed her straight to their GP who in turn sent her to hospital

Scott had meningitis five times over a three-year period. Leighton has just completed the Northallerton 10K, raising a fantastic £200 towards our work

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

Eleri had contracted viral meningitis. Mum Sioned takes up their story

Charleine’s young son Billy contracted viral meningitis at just six days old in October 2014. He had a high temperature, was very floppy and cried a lot

A day out in the sunshine quickly turned dark for Tom when he fell foul of viral meningitis in July 2015. The 38-year-old financial consultant from Brighton recounts his experience here

Bristol mum Michaela’s baby son Sebastian developed a range of symptoms in May 2015, including a high temperature, unusual cry and vacant stare. He wanted to be comforted but cried when he was touched. He had contracted Men B

Smiley eight-month-old Taylor Marshall’s life changed dramatically when he fell ill with meningococcal group w meningitis and septicaemia in April

Little Joey’s illness became apparent during a trip out. Joey, from Taunton in Somerset, went to hospital with meningococcal meningitis B, but was subsequently given the all clear and discharged

Tim Fear, of Totterdown in Bristol, was one of the children caught up in the original meningitis outbreak in Stroud in the 1980s that saw the birth of Meningitis Now. He tells his story here

Young Charlie, from Bury, Lancashire, woke with a high temperature, but mum Rose thought he was just suffering from a bug that was working its way round the family. However, he had contracted meningitis, as mum Rose recounts here

Alison, from Newport in Gwent, shares the story of how her son, Jacob, became ill with MenB and septicaemia and the after-effects with which he is now learning to live

A chance visit to the pharmacist alerted Ben’s mum Rhoda, from Wrexham, to the possibility her 2-year-old son had meningitis, when she picked up one of our signs and symptoms cards there.

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

When seven-year-old Isabelle, of Derby, came home from school feeling under the weather, her parents thought she was suffering from a stomach bug

Apryl-Louise Middleton, of Gloucester, was celebrating Halloween with friends when she first noticed onset symptoms of meningitis

Freya’s life changed forever when she contracted GBS meningitis and septicaemia in 2005, after spending weeks in hospital critically ill with the disease, Freya now suffers a series of after-effects including blindness and cerebral palsy

Olivia had numerous health issues from a very early age, including croup, bronchitis and chest infections, all severe enough to be admitted to hospital. But when she suddenly became lifeless and unresponsive mum Demi, from Barnsley, knew something was ser

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

I would urge all parents to be mindful of the symptoms of meningitis and be assertive. I can never forgive myself for not pushing, and being the ‘good patient’ when I knew my son was desperately ill.

Gemma’s son Aiden fell ill in 2012 with Men B, but thankfully recovered well, although he has been left with after-effects

Sarah Jayne Kinsey, of Liverpool, rushed her daughter, Sofia, straight to hospital when she discovered a rash when changing her nappy in December last year

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

Matthew’s son, Charlie, from Great Eccleston in Lancashire became ill in August 2015 with Men B

Kelly’s 4-year-old son Harry, from Northampton, fell ill with meningitis seven years ago

Little Kaylan, from Currie in Midlothian, developed a burning temperature and was referred to hospital because he was so young

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

Seventeen-month-old Isacc was lethargic with a very high temperature so his mum, Charli Napier, of Rochester, sought medical help

Finn was two-and-a-half years old when he contracted meningococcal septicaemia in June 2011

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

An unusual cry alerted Gillian Marshall that something was not quite right with her 13-day-old baby girl

Bella had been suffering cold like symptoms but on the 28 December her condition deteriorated as she began vomiting, developing a fever and rapid breathing

In June 2015, 19-year-old Michaela set off for what she thought would be the summer of a lifetime, working on the little island of Zakynthos (Zante) in Greece

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

Trembling, a temperature, cold hands and feet and vomiting first alerted Gemma Lessells, of Fife, that there was something very wrong with her little boy, Matthew

One month before her first birthday Matilda had a high temperature, was off her food and seemed out of character

It took three visits to hospital before 19-month-old Isla was diagnosed with meningococcal group B meningitis and septicaemia

A rash was one of the last signs that eight-year-old Mia had contracted meningococcal group B meningitis and encephalitis in January last year

Lise, originally from Bexhill-on-Sea but now living in France, found our website a lifeline as she struggled to come to terms with meningitis and its aftermath

A high temperature, lethargy and a grumpy mood alerted mum, Kathleen Burn, of Northumberland, that there was something wrong with her little boy, Stanley

Lisa Johnson, 42, first contracted meningitis in 2004, and as well as suffering from its after-effects, the disease has re-occurred three more times

Parents, Rickie and Carly Hicks, of Hertfordshire, were enjoying valuable family time when their six-month-old daughter, Lily, suddenly became ill with fever-like symptoms and breathing with a moan

While on her travels in China, 23-year-old Georgia, of Hertfordshire, began suffering with on-going headaches, dizziness and a general feeling of 'un-wellness'

When Ashleigh Browes, 21 of Lincolnshire, was suffering with intense facial pain, discomfort and tiredness, she went to bed with the intention of visiting her doctor the next day

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

Donna’s daughter Isabella didn’t have the easiest start in life, contracting Group B Strep

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

Headaches, seizures and drowsiness were the first signs that 24-year-old Emily, of Rushden, was suffering from meningitis

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

Shirley’s daughter Becca, from Southport on Merseyside, came down with meningitis as a 10-month-old baby in 1992

A stroke of good fortune meant Amanda’s newborn daughter Maisie was in the right place to be treated quickly when her illness developed

Lyndsey’s baby Vinnie had a high temperature and was limp, floppy and unresponsive

Lethargy, aversion to daylight, screaming when laying flat, a temperature and a pale complexion alerted mum Jenna that her five-week-old son was extremely unwell

Emma’s daughter Eva was unwell for a few days in February 2014 with fever, vomiting and drowsiness, and she had difficulty waking her

Diane’s six-month-old son Riley, from Lichfield in Staffordshire, was sleepy and irritable in July 2013

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

Paula’s baby son Oliver developed E Coli bacterial meningitis, which left him with many after-effects. But, 17 years later, the Bristol youngster is proving doctors wrong and is an inspiration to his family.

Jacob became ill with meningitis at just three months, but the plucky youngster has bounced back, earning the nickname Mr Muscle from the nurses who have treated him since.

Alison and Simon’s son John, from Sheffield, became limp, floppy and unresponsive in November 2015. He was rushed straight to hospital where he was diagnosed with Group B strep.

Twenty-year-old Karina, from London contracted bacterial meningitis in October this year, suffering from severe headaches and high fevers. She was initially diagnosed with a viral infection and is still recovering from the after-effects of her illness.

Thirty-six-year-old Tracy, from Tipton in the West Midlands, collapsed with viral meningitis in January 2015. Now, 12 months on, she is still battling to come to terms with the impact it is having.

Muriel’s baby son Angus, from Dunfermline in Fife, developed a horrible cry and wouldn’t settle. He had developed Group B Strep and was put on a cocktail of antibiotics. Muriel recounts their experience.

Thirty-five-year-old Lyndsay, from Selby in North Yorkshire, had no idea that adults could get meningitis, until she contracted the disease herself. Fortunately she has made a good recovery.

When she took him to the local walk-in centre she noticed a pinprick rash developing in front of her eyes. Thankfully her action meant Jack received prompt treatment and he has recovered well from bacterial meningitis.

Laura’s daughter Rubyann, from Stalybridge in Greater Manchester, contracted meningitis is July 2011 as a baby. But she’s a fighter and is now a healthy, intelligent, fun loving four-year-old.

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.

She was rushed to hospital, where a viral infection was diagnosed. This later changed to meningococcal septicaemia. Fortunately Evie-Mae pulled through with no serious lasting damage, but it was a scary time for the family. Claire tells their story.

Anita, of Swindon, saw her worst nightmare become reality when her 18-month old son, Samuel, contracted meningitis in January this year

Rachel, of Lincoln, trusted her motherly instincts when four-month-old Noah’s temperature rose overnight.

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

Sixteen-year-old Mollie, from Holmfirth in West Yorkshire, felt under the weather on 20 October 2015, but not too ill to go to college

Christina’s daughter, Amelie, was suffering from tonsillitis when she first started showing signs of meningitis

Poppy, from Bridport in Dorset, was an easy going baby, but in May she developed a high temperature, wouldn’t feed and was crying, which later turned into a high-pitched moan – all classic symptoms of meningitis

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

Little Mia, from Louth in Lincolnshire, was just three-weeks-old when she came down with Strep B meningitis

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

In October 2014, 11-year-old Nathaniel Gate, of Reading, was sent home from school with a high temperature and later began vomiting violently, his parents contacted the out of hours GP

Kirsty’s baby daughter Charlotte, from Truro in Cornwall, was restless, vomiting and crying constantly

When he received a phone call that his son had been rushed to hospital, Pastor Phillip Omodeni immediately returned from a holiday in Nigeria to be by his side

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

In February 2015, Charlotte Hannibal, now 19, had just returned to university after visiting her family when she suffered a number of flu-like symptoms

Karina’s daughter Aimee was born three months premature and was a very sick baby. But despite a difficult start in life and to date 12 brain operations, she has grown into a brave and strong six-year-old little girl, thriving at mainstream school.

Jamie-Leigh Rockett, now 18, of Watford, had just finished her GCSE’s when she contracted viral meningitis in June 2012

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

Within hours of wakening up, nine-month-old Finn Shillaker was lying lifeless on a hospital bed after contracting pneumococcal meningitis

Despite her concerns, worried mother Lesley Swift, 26, was unable to get a doctor to visit her seven-year-old daughter, Lauren

Brave mum, Kirrily Jones, 24 of Chesterfield, saw her worst nightmare become a reality when her baby boy, Louie, contracted meningitis B and septicaemia in July this year

Baby Harrison Whiteman was just four days old when he contracted a life-threatening illness, spending the first three weeks of his life in intensive care

When Katie Schmidt, 26, Bognor Regis, was told her daughter had contracted strep B meningitis in May she was heartbroken

Charlotte Stuart, 20 of Tunbridge Wells, was 19 and studying Architecture at the University of Cambridge when she was diagnosed with meningococcal group W (Men W)

Jemma, from Eastleigh in Hampshire, was a 19-year-old student building her future when she was laid low by the Y strain of meningitis

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

Kathryn, of Gateshead, was told her son, Kieron, aged 17 months, had bronchitis in January this year, but before long he was fighting for his life with meningitis

Vicky Ross, 32 of Renfrewshire, suffered many symptoms, including a high temperature, extreme dehydration, aching muscles and extreme fatigue, when she contracted viral meningitis in November 2014

Shaney Gardner, of Canvey Island, Essex, was 20 in October 2014 when she developed an extremely painful headache and chronic sickness. She had come down with viral meningitis

Sophie had never been to hospital and thought she was invincible, until meningitis laid her low last December

Quick-thinking and intuition by new mum, Lyndsey Huntley of Essex, proves that trusting your instincts can save lives

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

Concerned mother, Natalie Hall, of Essex, immediately took her son, Sam, to see the out-of-hours GP when she noticed a rash on his skin.

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

Little Liam Reid, from Stourport-on-Severn in Worcestershire, fell ill at six-weeks-old in November 2005

Danny, of Houghton Le Spring in Tyne and Wear, is now 11-months-old and the glue of family life, but the brave youngster has had a difficult time of it during his young life so far. Mother Shelby tells his story here

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

Flu-like symptoms were the first sign that one-year-old Chantelle was unwell

Tot, Eliza Patrick, of Northampton, spent day’s unconscious in high dependency after contracting meningococcal group W disease in March this year

Nine-year-old Aysha Riley-Marsh arrived home from school on 10 February 2015 with a headache and fever

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

Maison Farmer, Swindon, battles everyday with the severe after-effects bacterial meningitis can cause. He contracted the disease in March 2012, just twelve weeks after he was born

It was the morning of 26 August 2010 and baby Harley Jones drank his milk as normal, but, he soon became floppy and grey, with a bulging fontanelle and was staring with sunken eyes

When baby Joel began to run a temperature on 16 December 2003, concerned mother, Kirbbi Bucknall, took him to see her midwife

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

When nine-day-old Charlie became irritable and unsettled, new mother Leah Cormack trusted her instincts and called for help. Little did she know that he was suffering from a life-threatening disease

Following an emotional week commemorating the birthday of her late husband, 26-year-old Adrienne Quinnear feared for her life when she contracted bacterial meningitis and septicaemia

Mother and nurse, Leah Pope, knew there was a problem when newborn son Ben was suffering from an unusually high temperature, on 2 September 2013 he was diagnosed with E.coli meningitis

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

Danielle’s son Ralph, now 7-months-old, from Winchester, was a very happy, smiley, content baby, until one evening he started to feel hot to the touch

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

Peterborough mum, Emily Cairns’ life got turned upside-down when 13-month-old Ella’s flu like symptoms took a turn for the worse and she was diagnosed with meningococcal septicaemia

Twenty-four hours after giving birth to a beautiful baby boy, Ruth Edwards, 28, noticed that her perfect little package had a bit of a temperature

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

When Sophia Avery, from Maldon in Essex, gave birth to her second child Taylor in 2008 he was left fighting for his life with meningitis

The first time Matt Barrow, from Perranporth in Cornwall, contracted meningitis he thought his symptoms were caused by the painkillers he was taking following dental treatment

Two-year-old Bella, from Alfreton in Derbyshire, went to hospital five times before her meningitis was diagnosed. But it was the best Christmas present the family could have wished for when she finally responded to treatment

It was a normal day in August 2011 and Keeley, then aged 24, had woken up feeling great. But, just hours later, she developed a severe headache and then collapsed. It was the start of a meningitis battle that continues to this day.

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

Two years ago Meghann’s 15-week-old daughter Holly-May, from Chorley in Lancashire, became unwell. She had a high pitched shriek, didn’t want to be touched and a temperature of over 40 degrees

Top dancer Sean McCarthy, 30, from Tamworth in Warwickshire, was diagnosed with flu but got progressively worse, eventually ending up in hospital

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.

Paul and Nicola, from Keighley in West Yorkshire, had just arrived on holiday in Portugal with their 21-month-old son Oliver when he became ill. Fortunately they had a doctor who spoke good English and they received fantastic health care and quick treatme

Tamily Butterton dismissed her severe headache, putting it down to too much sleep. But, in the middle of the night, her headache worsened and following advice from the out of hours doctor, Tamily called an ambulance.

In November 2011 Trevor Newsome, from Leeds, was 61 when he began suffering with what he thought was a migraine. When his symptoms got worse, he was admitted to hospital and diagnosed with viral meningitis.

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

Here Holly tells how both she and her daughter Brooke battled meningitis.

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.

Kerry MacKinnon thought she was getting a migraine, but as her headache became worse it became clear that she was seriously ill. Here she explains how she survived meningitis.

It was just an ordinary November day with a four-week-old baby for Lily and her mother Billie, but all that was to change dramatically and very quickly when Lily was rushed to hospital with an unusual cry and a burning temperature.

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.

Julie’s son Joshua contracted viral meningitis when he was 8-years-old. He suffered headaches, sickness and flu-like symptoms and was taken to the doctor

Kelly’s illness started with a headache which became more and more severe. She developed a feeling of unease down the centre of her chest and stomach

When Steve Drew started suffering from an intense headache his doctor thought he was concussed after picking up a knock playing rugby. But Steve had contracted pneumococcal meningitis.

Jaimie was studying Sports and Recreation when she fell ill at university. Had her flatmate not been so vigilant then she may not have been treated in time and made such a good recovery

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

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.

Eighteen-year-old student Harriet had been feeling ill for a while but when she collapsed whilst going for a drink of water it was time to call an ambulance.

Oscar was just three weeks old when he became very lethargic and unresponsive, wouldn’t feed and had an unusual cry and mottled skin. His worried mother Vicky, from Eccles in Greater Manchester, phoned her health visitor, who advised her to rush Oscar str

A year ago three-week-old Addison became very poorly, he had a temperature and a rash, he was rushed to hospital.

When Kay’s 3-year-old son Evan complained he was feeling unwell and was burning up, they tucked him up in bed with them to keep a closer eye on him. But when they noticed a rash they called an ambulance and he was rushed to hospital.

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...

When twenty-year-old University of Nottingham fresher Matthew, an international student from the Bahamas, woke up shivering in November, he assumed it was just the cold. But when he passed out he knew there was something more serious wrong.

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

Lennon had already had various medical problems from the age of six months. Then, in July 2012 when he was three years old, he was diagnosed with viral 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 August 2007, Laura was unable to wake her 15-week-old daughter Jessica for her morning feed. Sensing something was seriously wrong; Laura acted quickly and took her to see a doctor straight away. Jessica was later diagnosed with bacterial meningitis

When Dave Hancock woke at 5am with a splitting headache he knew it was more than just a migraine. Taking a couple of painkillers he went back to bed and hoped the pain would stop

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.

Tureja Bibi was a busy mum-of-two, who worked at a private day nursery and enjoyed going out with her friends. Then in 2006, when she was just 28, Tureja contracted bacterial meningitis

Alexandra Hird was just a normal student revising for her exams when she fell ill with meningitis. She shares her story and explains how the illness changed her life.

In September 2012, Mark Shore, from Oswestry, began feeling unwell with flu-like symptoms. When his partner saw how ill he was, she made him to go to the doctors.

In January 2013, baby Savannah was not even two weeks old when she started vomiting unusually. Her worried mum, Michelle, suspected something wasn’t right and acted quickly by taking her straight to her GP

In September 2012, Sarah and John's son, Noah, fell ill. Crying, vomiting and running a temperature, Sarah’s parental instincts told her something was seriously wrong with her baby. It took multiple hospital visits before doctors finally diagnosed Noah.

On New Year’s Eve in 2012, four-week-old Lewis was taken to the doctor by his mum, Hayley, after being unsettled for the previous two days. Rapidly deteriorating, he was taken to hospital and soon diagnosed with bacterial meningitis. Here is his story

In October 2012, five-week old Esmé woke up in the morning and was looking very poorly. Her worried mum, Amy, sensed something was seriously wrong, and rushed her to hospital.

In March 2012 Tommy Brown contracted the B strain of meningococcal meningitis and septicaemia. The disease was so ferocious and widespread that he was given only a 5 per cent chance of survival. He defied the odds, but was left with multiple amputations

Noah, 7, contracted meningitis when he was just 16 months old. The disease left him fighting for his life. Thankfully, Noah won his battle, but as a cruel reminder of the pain his family had to endure, meningitis left him profoundly deaf

Eliza brought tears to her consultants’ eyes when she walked out of hospital after battling pneumococcal meningitis. Her mum Pauline tells her story.

Baby Charlie had an unknown form of meningitis, but out of this traumatic experience his mum, Tina Carter from Norfolk, has sewn together a precious business opportunity. Here Tina recounts her and Charlie’s story

Thirteen-month-old Elise was suffering from sickness, fever and lethargy in March 2014 before pneumococcal meningitis was diagnosed.

Matt fell ill with meningococcal septicaemia at the age of 20. But the keen photographer fought back to overcome his after-effects of amputations and focus on a career in his chosen field

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

In September 2013, Jaime and her boyfriend were thrilled to find out they were expecting twins. They attended numerous scans and various other medical appointments and there were no concerns. Jaime picks up their story

Little Callum was a fit and healthy baby until at nine months old he contracted a deadly illness. His parents Sally and Rob feared the worst when Callum was rushed to hospital after the sudden onset of bacterial meningitis.

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

Amar, 25, from Luton, felt really cold and shaking and had a high temperature and sharp, painful headaches. He visited his local walk in centre, but then had to go straight to hospital, where he was diagnosed with bacterial meningitis.

Chloe, 23, of Manchester, contracted viral meningitis in September 2012 when she was 21. Her symptoms included drowsiness, severe headache, stomach pains, sensitivity to sound and noise, a stiff neck and confusion.

A Brighton couple, who in April 2013 watched marathon runners on the sea front from hospital whilst their son fought back from meningitis, will compete in the same race in 2014.

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

Anthony Metcalf, 39, from Northumberland has had the awful luck to contract meningitis not once but three times – meningococcal once and pneumococcal twice – without ever having a rash! He tells his story here

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

In February this year, Laura B noticed that her baby son Lewis was crying differently to normal. Sensing something was wrong, she took him to her GP. He was eventually diagnosed with viral meningitis.

In March 2013, 25 year old Emma Thompson from Paignton in Devon, began to feel unwell. She hadn't heard of viral meningitis before, but now she will never forget it.

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.

In March 2012, Leila gave birth to her son Frazer. Seven days later, he contracted viral meningitis.

In October 2011, Katie Atkinson was working as a paramedic when she was diagnosed with viral meningitis. It left her with severe after-effects, which forced her to change the job she loved.

Rachel speaks about how unwell she felt at work, so instead of going home she checked into a hotel and was then rushed to hospital and, after treatment, discovered she was battling viral meningitis.

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.

Declan's mum Lisa will never forget her son's second Christmas - it was the time she nearly lost him to a rare strain of 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.

Amy Whittaker tells her story of meningitis, which saw her miss work and be in hospital for weeks as she recovered from the disease.

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.

One evening in March 2010, Lynne Harding from Aldershot fell asleep after feeling unwell. She woke up four days later in hospital; she had contracted both pneumococcal and viral meningitis.

Little Amelia was five-months-old when she fell ill in February 2010. She had a high temperature and was vomiting her feeds but seemed happy in herself so we thought she was just teething. Her big brother Patrick, four, had been a bit sniffly too.

Alkin fell ill with meningitis shortly after Christmas in 2009. The speed at which he fell ill, and the emotional rollercoaster that was to follow, has made his family realise just how lucky they are that he pulled through.

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.

Gemma hit the headlines in July 2009 when she almost died from meningitis after doctors misdiagnosed it as swine flu. She faced a real battle to get the correct treatment. With a life-support machine keeping her alive.

Journalist Hazel Southam had recently returned from an assignment in Jordan in April 2009 when she started to feel ill with flu-like symptoms. Fellow correspondents had caught a similar bug, so for a week, she didn't worry about it. Then, within just a fe

In April 2008, nine-month-old Paige was diagnosed with pneumococcal meningitis, which she has thankfully overcome. Doctors said it was bad luck that she should fall so desperately ill as she'd had the pneumococcal vaccine. But her parents believe luck was

Amy faced a frightening time when she was rushed to hospital with meningitis at the same time as her young son.

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.

Rory fell ill with meningitis on November 25, 2007, and was fighting for life in hospital when he was also struck down with haemolytic-uremic syndrome - a rare but severe condition which causes kidney failure.

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.

When Amanda Keys' son Harry became ill when he was just 11 days old she was told it was probably just colic. It wasn't, Harry was seriously ill with meningitis.

Life for the Friedli family changed dramatically in 2007 when dad, Andy, contracted viral meningitis. The pain and trauma was felt by the whole family – especially daughter Nicola, three, who was frightened her daddy may die.

On Boxing Day in 2006, Emma Howell, was suffering with a headache so severe, that she was taken to hospital by her worried parents. Emma, from Aberdare in Wales, was later diagnosed with meningoencephalitis HSV1; a form of viral meningitis.

It was four days before Christmas in 2006 when Kate began to feel ill but she passed the tiredness and headache off as the early stages of flu.

Jonathan Davies, 50, was leading an active life, training for his first open water sea triathlon, when viral meningitis struck. He thought "I'll give it a couple of days and I’ll be back to normal." Not quite.

When Louise gave birth to daughter Heather five weeks early she wasn't expecting to spend the next week in hospital as the little tot fought for her life with a deadly strain of meningitis.

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.