It suddenly happened when I was 49. One night I didn't answer my wife. She didn't think it was a migraine attack and called the doctor. She promptly dispatched me to Stoke-on-Trent hospital, where doctors and nurses were very caring.
Afterwards I thought, as many would, it could happen to the young, not middle aged (like myself) and old.
I believe it was the bacterial type of meningitis.
I remain well for my age, tee-total and have Christian beliefs.
Since the experience 19 years ago I still support local football. I now struggle to swim half a length of the baths, although I was never a particularly strong swimmer.
I now enjoy doubles tennis at our local Phoenix Club for the over 50s.
Ivan Price
December 2011