My son Tom (Rachael's brother) had been experiencing what was believed to be chronic cluster headaches for several years. He was back and forward to the GP and hospital during that time, eventually falling seriously ill in January 2020, he was found unresponsive in bed. 

He was taken by ambulance to the local A and E where he was admitted and treated for suspected meningitis.

He was in hospital for 5 days before being deemed well enough to return home and was to continue to receive treatment for bacterial meningitis as a day patient.  

On the way back (shortly after discharge) he experienced a seizure in the car and his Dad managed to return him back to the hospital for urgent attention. He suffered a further seizure prior to being scanned, the results of which quickly identified bacterial meningitis and its effects.

 
Tom was blue lighted to the RVI for a life saving operation at the specialist Neurology department. He had another operation 6 weeks later on his sinus which had lead to the infection spreading to the brain.

Tom has had an extremely difficult and worrying year as we went into lockdown in the early stages of his recovery.  He continues to take anti -seizure tablets to prevent any further seizures. He continues to receive regular check ups and support.

 
It is clear that there is a lot to learn and understand about this dreadful disease and we want to help the charity to achieve their goal, particularly with regards to awareness of the condition and recognising the symptoms. It is important to note that it can effect anyone at any time!

Your donation, no matter how big or small, will support the charity in their efforts to defeat meningitis. It will mean so much to our family, Tom’s girlfriend Megan and especially Tom, who very nearly died from this terrible disease.  

Thank you for taking the time to read our story.