Antonia Colaluca's story

I got meningitis during the lead up to my A  level exams.

I hadn’t felt right for weeks, but continued to work, go to school and revise.

I came home from work one Sunday after my manager sent me home, I got straight into bed and later that night my mum tried to wake me but couldn’t. She drove me straight to A&E and I collapsed in the waiting room.

I was in hospital for almost a month and it was the scariest thing that’s ever happened to me.

I was so grateful to have such a great family and doctors/nurses to look after me. I had my heart set on going on to Edinburgh University but my illness shattered those dreams slightly,

I got out of hospital and decided to sit my exams anyways. I’m now in my 3rd year of uni in Edinburgh!

I’m so grateful my mum knew what to do and acted quickly! I didn’t even know what meningitis was until I got it. Now I try to spread awareness as best as I can. If you don’t feel right, please tell someone or go to the doctor.

Antonia Colaluca
October 2019