We have reached out to the family of four-year-old Harley Edwards from Wigan to offer our well wishes and support after hearing he had been put into an induced coma at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital as he fights meningococcal septicaemia
“On Sunday morning, he woke up being sick,” she told the Wigan Observer. “I thought he was just tired, but then he started fitting."
“When the ambulance came, he had a bit of a rash on his belly, but by the time they got him into the ambulance he was fully covered, that’s how quick it had spread.”
Harley’s family and friends have set up a Facebook page to keep well-wishers up to date with his progress. They have spoken of an “overwhelming” outpouring of support for the little boy, who only started primary school a few weeks ago.
Babies, toddlers and young children under 5 are the most at-risk group for contracting meningitis, with over 50% of all cases occurring in this age group. Babies and young children are particularly vulnerable as they can’t easily fight infection because their immune system is not yet fully developed.
One of the best ways you can protect your loved ones from meningitis is to learn the signs and symptoms. If you have a question about meningitis or meningococcal septicaemia, just wanted to talk things through, or find out more about our support, our experienced staff are here to help.
Call our Helpline on 0808 80 10 288 (9am-5pm Monday-Friday) or email helpline@meningitisnow.org (emails are answered during office hours only).
