Arthur Kilcran smiling wearing a superhero coat and a hearing aid.

Meningitis in your words

Here you’ll find stories from those whose lives have been changed by meningitis. Whether you’ve experienced it, supported someone, lost a loved one, or are working to defeat it, your story matters.

Share your story

2,030 voices for 2030

Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to share their story. We’re currently updating our website, and we’re working hard to ensure that all of your stories appear on this page. If you can’t find the story you’re looking for yet, please bear with us and check back soon.
249 1 last month Target: 2,030
12.3%
Wyatt sat outside with his teddy bear.

Wyatt Howard’s story

Emma shares her story of every parents worst nightmare: her newborn son's diagnosis with viral meningitis.

A detail of the Meningitis Flag, showing a yellow half-circle and a purple triangle against a light blue background.

Gema Casino’s story

Gema shares her journey, from viral meningitis at age four to surviving pneumococcal meningitis as an adult.

Hannah Ewing smiling

Hannah Ewing's story

Hannah shares the story of contracting pneumococcal meningitis twice within a year and how Meningitis Research Foundation supported her.

Olivia Griffiths' story

Olivia shares her experience of surviving meningitis twice, and how she's supporting Meningitis Research Foundation.

Esme Hollens and some young schoolchildren in Uganda

Esmé Hollens’ story

After developing viral meningitis while volunteering in Uganda as a teenager, Esmé reflects on recovery, university and lasting mental impacts.

Heidi Ellingham

Heidi Ellingham's story

Heidi reflects on her terrifying experience of being diagnosed with meningitis during the pandemic.

Sophia Speirs' story

Sophia’s mum Kate shares how her daughter survived MenB meningitis at university, and highlights the importance of vaccines and timely action.

Meningitis Research Foundation ambassador, Martin Yaxley

Martin Yaxley's story

Meningitis Research Foundation Ambassador Martin talks about the after-effects of meningitis and the importance of giving back.

Earl Falconer's story

UB40 bassist Earl reflects on surviving bacterial meningitis and his road to recovery with the support of his family and bandmates.

Kaya Aisake smiling

Kaya Luna Aisake’s story

Kaya was just a toddler when she was diagnosed with meningitis. Her mother, Candice Patrick, shares their family’s experience.

A head and shoulders photograph of Carly Fisher

Carly Fisher's story

Carly had bacterial meningitis following an ear infection. Here she shares the story of her illness and recovery.

A photograph of Lucy Finn and her mother

Lucy Finn's story

Fiona shares the story of her daughter Lucy’s diagnosis with meningococcal meningitis and her recovery.