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.
180 0 last month Target: 2,030
8.9%
Photograph of Gemma Baxter and Michael Lessells

Gemma Baxter's story

Gemma describes the worst two weeks of her life when her son, Matthew, contracted meningococcal septicaemia at 13 months old.

Heather Lowther's story

Heather talks about contracting meningococcal septicaemia when she was 12, resulting in lower leg amputations and skin scarring.

A video still image of Bridget McCann

Bridget McCann's story

Bridget from the Northern Ireland travelling community describes the loss of Michael when he was just two years old.

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

Robbie Jones' story

Robbie contracted meningococcal meningitis at 21 months, resulting in amputations. His mum Jill shares their story.

A photograph of Lesley Hart

Lesley Hart's story

Lesley talks about the effect meningitis has had on her life, and how it's changed the way she lives.

A still image from a video of Janine

Janine Dunbar's story

Janine talks about her son's fight with pneumococcal meningitis, and his subsequent discharge from hospital and follow-up checks.

A video still of Charlotte playing with a child's toy

Charlotte Nott's story

Charlotte lost her lower arms and legs to meningitis and sepsis. Her mother Jenny shares the story of her illness and recovery.

Cieran Burke's story

Sue describes her son Cieran's meningococcal meningitis and the after-effects they are managing.

A photograph of Zoe Jeanes smiling at the camera

Zoe Jeanes' story

Zoe shares her story of having meningococcal septicaemia - initially mistaken for a migraine - when she was 18 years old.

A photograph of Zak in a wheelchair

Zak Henderson's story

Zak’s mother Vikki tells the story of his pneumococcal meningitis and subsequent difficulties with cerebral palsy and epilepsy.