Meningitis Now

26/05/2026

“I awoke a few hours later in intensive care, when I was told I had sepsis and bacterial meningitis.”

Trevor, 65, from Chichester in West Sussex fell ill in January. What started as a severe headache, sickness and photophobia quickly turned more serious, and he spent 10 days in hospital battling bacterial meningitis.

“My wife Jill and I went shopping on a typical Saturday morning. We returned home and I started to get a headache, which quickly turned into an unbearable excruciating one. I knew something serious was happening as I never experienced pain like it, so I asked my wife to take me to A&E."

“On arrival, 20 minutes later, I was starting to be sick and unable to stand. I awoke a few hours later in intensive care, when I was told I had sepsis and bacterial meningitis."

Read the full story here: 🔗 https://bit.ly/4df9zqO

[Image description: Blurred image of a hospital room with medical staff and equipment. Text overlay reads: "Blog | Trevor’s Story: 'I was oblivious that I would be in intensive care that afternoon.']

23/05/2026

A new group offering practical and emotional support for men affected by meningitis has been set up by Meningitis Now supporters with experience of the disease.

The group is the brainchild of our supporters, Augustine Joseph and Ash Parry. Having been put in touch by our Volunteer Manager, Ash and Augustine talked about the invisible after-effects they both experience following meningitis.

They realised how powerful a group for men with an experience of meningitis could be in supporting other men who have been affected.

Augustine and Ash will be joined as a co-facilitator for the group by our Community Ambassador, Graeme Burridge. Graeme lost his daughter, Katherine, to the disease, bringing a different perspective to the group.

Graeme says: “To have had the opportunity to talk, empathise or cry with another male, who had experienced the same utter grief I was feeling, may have helped.”

The new group will offer a range of support, including a WhatsApp group, one-to-one and group meetings, get-togethers, walk and talks and telephone support, with a focus on mental health. Meningitis Now will apply for grants for a dedicated support worker to support the group and funding for a Men’s Weekend, similar to our well-regarded Forever Weekends.

The group is open to all men aged 18 and over with an experience of meningitis, whether personal or via a family member or friend.

Read more about the men’s support group here: 🔗 https://bit.ly/49T9qHc

[Image description: Three people stand together outdoors on a sunny day, smiling with arms around each other. The setting includes trees and a clear blue sky.]

21/05/2026

Today is Global Accessibility Awareness Day.

Today aims to raise awareness of the importance of digital accessibility and inclusion for the 1 billion people worldwide with disabilities or impairments.

At Meningitis Now, we are committed to creating meaningful and inclusive digital experiences that cater to our communities with disabilities.

Our goal is to ensure that all medical information is accessible to everyone. While we may not always achieve perfection, we are dedicated to listening to feedback and striving for continuous improvement.



[Image description: A person holds a smartphone displaying a website with information about making a donation. The screen shows a photo and text. In the top right is the "Meningitis Now" logo, and at the bottom, the text reads "Global Accessibility Awareness Day.]

20/05/2026

Did you see Prime Minister’s Questions this afternoon? MP and Meningitis Now Business Ambassador Alison Griffiths asked the Prime Minister to ensure his government are prioritising protecting young people against MenB. Sir Keir Starmer also committed to a meeting between Meningitis Now and the new Health Secretary.

If you agree that more young people should be protected against one of the most common causes of meningitis in the UK, get involved with our No Plan B for MenB campaign – sign the petition now to pledge your support. ➡️ https://www.meningitisnow.org/meningitis-now-stories/campaigns/no-plan-b-for-menb/ -the-petition

19/05/2026

Join us this October at our inaugural Lantern Memory Walk in Manchester. On Sunday, 4 October 2026, we will gather at Wythenshawe Park for an evening of remembrance. 🕯️

Kelly will be joining us on the walk, who sadly lost her 19-month-old son, Daniel, in 1996 to meningococcal septicaemia.

“I’m taking part in a lantern walk in memory of my son Daniel, who sadly died from meningitis...It’s a way for us to honour him, strengthen our bond, and show support for others affected."

This special 5k walk is open to all ages and created for everyone who has lost someone to meningitis or whose life has been forever touched by the disease.

You can find out more about the event here. 🧡 https://bit.ly/3NvUXbT

[Image description: A person holds a lit lantern against a sunset. Text on the image reads: "Kelly says: 'I’m taking part in a lantern walk in memory of my son Daniel, who sadly died from meningitis. I’ll be doing the Lantern Memory Walk with my daughter Shannon, giving us a special way to remember Daniel together through light. It's a way for us to honour him, strengthen our bond, and show support for others affected.' Lantern Memory Walk 2026 .]

18/05/2026

Join us for an unforgettable night on Friday 4 September 2026 at Moulsdale Foundation, Bishopbriggs.

Experience the excitement of our Meningitis Now gala dinner in Scotland, featuring a drinks reception, a three-course dinner, raffle, exclusive auction, and live entertainment—hosted by the fabulous Gina McKie. All in support of a lifesaving cause.

As part of the evening, guests will unlock exclusive access to the Moulsdale Foundation museum, home to Scotland’s largest showcase of classic and performance cars and motorbikes. Wander among timeless vintage treasures and rare collector’s gems and immerse yourself in the rich history and passion that define this remarkable collection.

For more information, please visit www.mngaladinner.com or email [email protected].

15/05/2026

Meningitis Now is deeply saddened and concerned to hear reports of a suspected outbreak of meningitis affecting young people in Reading and the surrounding area, including the tragic death of a young person.

While information is still emerging and investigations are ongoing, our thoughts are with the family and friends of the individual who has died, and with all those affected by this worrying situation.

We are urging people to remain vigilant and aware of the signs and symptoms of the disease. Meningitis can become life-threatening very quickly, and early diagnosis and treatment are absolutely vital.

Common signs and symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia are:

Fever with cold hands and feet
Vomiting
Drowsy or difficult to wake
Confusion and irritability
Severe muscle pain
Pale blotchy skin, spots or rash (See Glass Test (link))
Severe headache
Stiff neck
Dislike bright lights
Convulsions or seizures

Symptoms can appear in any order, and some may not appear at all. We would encourage anyone who is concerned that they or someone they know may be unwell to seek urgent medical attention immediately and not to wait for symptoms to develop further.

You can download or order your signs and symptoms card through our website: https://bit.ly/4tv2wip

This situation is yet another reminder of why our “No Plan B for MenB” campaign is calling for greater protection for young people. MenB is one of the most common causes of bacterial meningitis in the UK. Its impact is devastating, cruel, life-changing – and preventable. If you'd like to join us in this fight for better protection of young people, you can sign the petition on our website.

[Image descriptions: Image 1 - Meningitis Now infographic titled "Learn the signs & symptoms." Includes illustrations of faces depicting symptoms: fever, cold hands and feet, vomiting, drowsiness, difficulty waking, confusion and irritability, severe muscle pain, pale or blotchy skin, severe headache, stiff neck, a dislike for bright lights, convulsions or seizures, and a rash. A warning states symptoms can appear in any order, some may not all appear, and advises immediate medical help if someone is ill and worsening.

Image 2 - A hand holds an orange and blue card titled "Meningitis signs & symptoms." Text advises learning signs to safeguard against meningitis. There's an instruction to download or order the card from the website. The social handle "" is shown at the bottom.

Image 3 - A group is holding "No Plan B for MenB" signs near a historic building. The "No Plan B for MenB" campaign by Meningitis Now calls for the MenB vaccination for those at risk, a booster program for adolescents by 2030, and affordable vaccination availability.]

14/05/2026

13/05/2026

We're sharing these heartfelt comments from our visitors' book for our Stories of Hope photography exhibition launch. 🧡

Take a look at the locations below and RSVP using the link to secure your visit to our upcoming exhibition dates.

🔶Manchester: Tuesday 9 June 2026
🔶Cardiff: Wednesday 29 July 2026
🔶Edinburgh: Tuesday 6 October 2026

We can't wait to see you there! ➡️ https://bit.ly/4bf5Qan

A huge thank you to our sponsors for making this exhibition possible, , and .

[Image descriptions: Image 1 - A small spiral-bound notebook page with handwritten text is placed against an orange textured background. The message reads: "Thank you for such a moving and inspirational exhibition. Such amazing people to rise above such adversity. Your work is incredible. Celia.

Image 2 - A handwritten note which says "a picture(s) does indeed paint a thousand words. These are so striking, so emotional, so defiant and so hopeful. I am taken aback with how much positivity has come from so much adversity. A poignant collection of incredible individuals that support, or benefit from the wonderful work of Meningitis Now."

Image 3 - A spiral notepad on an orange textured surface contains handwritten text: "How humbling. What bravery and strength these survivors possess."

Image 4 - A handwritten note on a spiral-bound paper against an orange textured background. The note says 'Wow, such a powerful exhibition. Amazing to see the incredible photos and readings all the inspirational stories. Thank you for such a wonderful exhibition to celebrate Meningitis Now. Jess, Arthur, Henry & Elsie x"

Image 5 - Handwritten note on an orange background reads: "As son to Dr Jane Wells, I am incredibly proud of all my mum's achievements & how many lives have been helped through the Meningitis Trust/Meningitis Now."]

12/05/2026

“Not everyone’s symptoms are the same, and not everyone’s symptoms will follow a nice set pattern. You are more than a series of 'tick boxes', your life matters. Trust your instincts when you feel something is outside of the 'norm'."

Cat, from Pudsey in West Yorkshire, was 31 when she became ill in 1999. Her eyes started to swell, but she was misdiagnosed. She ended up being rushed to the hospital and was later diagnosed with bacterial meningitis.

“The headaches got worse, and the swelling that had started in one eye started in the other until I could barely see. I think I also had a high fever, and I can't recall if I had a mild rash. I do recall being super sensitive to light and not being able to think straight. My main concern was being able to care for my child properly, as I was a single parent with very little support.

“I don’t know who phoned an ambulance, but I ended up in hospital and in big trouble with my child's nursery as I'd been unable to pick him up, and an emergency contact had to be called to collect him.

“I was given a lumbar puncture and put on various IV drips, and I don’t know what. I remained in the hospital for maybe a week (but honestly, I can't recall).

“My experience of getting meningitis and getting medically 'gaslit' (before that term was commonly used) has definitely scarred me and has always made me second-guess myself as to the seriousness of any medical emergencies.

“I would urge everybody to follow your instincts and not do as I did and just accept advice that could possibly end up in you losing your life."

Read Cat's full story here: 🔗 https://bit.ly/4uzNjgU

[Image description: A person affectionately nuzzling a black and white cat wearing a collar with a bell.]