Erin Helena Lamond's story

Erin contracted meningitis and septicaemia at 10 days old and was treated in intensive care for five days.

At first she was too seriously ill to receive a lumbar puncture to confirm what was suspected and we were advised to prepare to say goodbye to Erin. We never said goodbye.... just couldn't... and fortunately Erin fought.

The ups and downs of meningitis are not what anyone expects, one good day, a complication like multiple seizures... another good day... less vomiting , more complications...being fed through a tube... multiple scans and the trauma of new places to put the cannulas for the antibiotics... a bleed on the brain then being diagnosed with hydrocephalus as a result of the infection. One day at a time is the only way.

Erin became seriously ill again with hydrocephalus and was re-admitted to intensive care for another five days. Once stabilised we were advised that Erin would be required to have a VP shunt inserted into her brain to manage this condition. We were shocked by the idea of this surgery and couldn't believe we were back in ITU after five weeks of treatment. Nothing really prepares you for this. The support we received from the hospital staff was unbelievable.

Erin continued to fight and after three months in hospital was allowed home! This was great and scary. Erin has an older sister Alice who had a difficult time when her sister was ill. She was only just three at the time.

Erin will be 3 in October (2011) and is doing really well so far. She will have a VP shunt for life, but we are very positive about her future and very grateful for the amazing care she has received from midwives to consultants

Alice and Erin are now as close as sisters can be which is magic to see.

We hope that vaccinations can become accessible for all strains of terrible disease to stop it affecting any more families.

Colin Lamond
April 2011