Meningitis in your words

Sharing stories to save lives worldwide

Storytelling is powerful, bringing experiences into focus and forging connections like nothing else. That is why the telling and reading of an individual, real experience of meningitis can spread awareness, foster understanding, and inspire and empower others. Through words, each account offers hope, comfort, and, above all, saves lives. Whether you carry the physical and emotional scars of meningitis or are grappling with the aftermath, your testimony can ignite action, understanding and strength in others across the world.

Meningitis in your words

2,030 voices for 2030

Stories of meningitis. For you, by you. Submit your story
32 last month Our goal

764 stories

2030

Your latest stories - in your words.

As we head towards 2030, people are adding their stories every day. So, whether you want to motivate and inspire others or want to read people’s experiences of meningitis and sepsis, you’ll find a story that resonates and reminds you that you are never alone.

Seema Jaswal's full story
  • UK
  • Bacterial meningitis
  • Teenager
Seema Jaswal's story TV presenter Seema Jaswal contracted meningitis at the age of 16, while she was studying for her A-L...
Andrea Lanfri's full story
  • Italy
  • Other bacterial meningitis and septicaemia (sepsis) type
Andrea Lanfri's story Photo credit: Ilaria CarielloItalian athlete, rock climber and adventurer, Andrea Lanfri, lost both ...

All stories

James Patrice's full story
  • Ireland
  • Bacterial meningitis
  • Child 6-12
James Patrice's story Irish TV presenter and social media creator, James Patrice, almost died of bacterial meningitis at t...
Andrea Lanfri's full story
  • Italy
  • Other bacterial meningitis and septicaemia (sepsis) type
Andrea Lanfri's story Photo credit: Ilaria CarielloItalian athlete, rock climber and adventurer, Andrea Lanfri, lost both ...
Hayley Tamaddon's full story
  • UK
  • Viral
  • Adult 25-59
Hayley Tamaddon's story Actress, Hayley Tamaddon, famous for her roles in Emmerdale and Eastenders, contracted meningitis fo...
Seema Jaswal's full story
  • UK
  • Bacterial meningitis
  • Teenager
Seema Jaswal's story TV presenter Seema Jaswal contracted meningitis at the age of 16, while she was studying for her A-L...
Aaron Phipps MBE's full story
  • Other bacterial meningitis and septicaemia (sepsis) type
  • Teenager
Aaron Phipps MBE's story Gold medal-winning Paralympian, Aaron Phipps MBE, had to have both legs ampu...
Juttima Chinnasri's full story
  • Australia
  • Other bacterial meningitis and septicaemia (sepsis) type
  • Adult 25-59
Juttima Chinnasri's story Sydney based model and social media influencer, Juttima Chinnasri, lost both of ...
Leanne Smith's full story
  • UK
  • Bacterial meningitis, Viral
Leanne Smith's story Social media influencer and mum of two, Leanne Smith, also known as Busy...
Mahwish Mustafa's full story
  • UK
  • Bacterial meningitis
  • Child 6-12
Mahwish Mustafa's story Mum of three and social media influencer, Mahwish Mustafa, supported her y...
Nathan  Borg's full story
  • Australia
  • Viral
  • Baby 0-1
Nathan Borg's story Neighbours actor, Nathan Borg, lost his hearing after contracting meningitis at just three months ol...
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Make a difference. Share your story.

Survivors, partners, parents, carers, friends, heath workers – everyone has a story to tell. Every story is unique, personal and has something to offer. Whether it’s compassion, encouragement, optimism or despair, by sharing your story you will be helping others who are suffering or have suffered from meningitis and sepsis, letting them know that they are never alone.

Journeys of hope

Even in the darkest of moments, there is hope. People who have overcome meningitis share their inspiring stories of recovery and optimism for the future. View all
Luke 's full story
  • UK
  • GAS (Group A streptococcal)
  • Baby 0-1
Luke 's story
Scott Stillman's full story
  • USA
  • Unknown meningitis and septicaemia (sepsis) type, Viral
  • Adult 25-59
Scott Stillman's story In August 2021, our daughter Lucy returned to St Lawrence University in upstate NY for her second ye...
Seema Jaswal's full story
  • UK
  • Bacterial meningitis
  • Teenager
Seema Jaswal's story TV presenter Seema Jaswal contracted meningitis at the age of 16, while she was studying for her A-L...

Stories of strength

Tales of courage, determination and resilience, and how the human spirit can conquer even the hardest of challenges brought by meningitis. View all
Monica's full story
  • Europe
  • Unknown meningitis and septicaemia (sepsis) type
  • Baby 0-1
Monica's story My name is Monica from Norway. B...
Errol Kendall's full story
  • Australia
  • Other bacterial meningitis and septicaemia (sepsis) type
  • Baby 0-1
Errol Kendall's story I was born in the early fifties, my parents in their 30s and I was their 3rd child and their first b...
Luke adams's full story
  • UK
  • Group B meningococcal (MenB), Other bacterial meningitis and septicaemia (sepsis) type
  • Teenager
Luke adams's story It was Easter Friday . M...

Tales of tenacity

Living with and through meningitis is a battle in all sorts of unimaginable ways. Here, people share their tales of overcoming hurdles and winning even the smallest of battles. View all
Dianora 's full story
  • Group B meningococcal (MenB)
  • Young Adult 20-25
Dianora 's story
Annie Mae 's full story
  • Unknown meningitis and septicaemia (sepsis) type
Annie Mae 's story

Circles of support

Coping with meningitis is often a team effort. Read the experiences of families and friends who have supported their loved ones through their battle with meningitis. View all
Emily 's full story
  • UK
  • Meningococcal
  • Young Adult 20-25
Emily 's story
Mellodi 's full story
  • USA
  • Unknown meningitis and septicaemia (sepsis) type
  • Baby 0-1
Mellodi 's story
Isai 's full story
  • Bacterial meningitis
  • Child 6-12
Isai 's story

Healthcare heroes

Stories that celebrate the compassion and commitment of healthcare professionals, and the vital role they play in treating and supporting people with meningitis. View all
Hayley Tamaddon's full story
  • UK
  • Viral
  • Adult 25-59
Hayley Tamaddon's story Actress, Hayley Tamaddon, famous for her roles in Emmerdale and Eastenders, contracted meningitis fo...
Erin Lamond 's full story
  • UK
  • Escherichia coli (E. Coli)
Erin Lamond 's story My daughter contracted ecoli meningitis at 10 days old...
Bright 's full story
  • Malawi
  • Meningococcal
  • Young child 3-5
Bright 's story

Beyond meningitis

Many people don’t want to be defined by their illness. Here, they share their stories of personal growth, pursuing their passions and fulfilling their ambitions. View all
Aaron Phipps MBE's full story
  • Other bacterial meningitis and septicaemia (sepsis) type
  • Teenager
Aaron Phipps MBE's story Gold medal-winning Paralympian, Aaron Phipps MBE, had to have both legs ampu...
Leo 's full story
  • UK
  • Meningococcal
  • Baby 0-1
Leo 's story