Parker was 7 months old when he was diagnosed with meningitis. It was Boxing Day 2016 and he had become unwell with an ear infection. He had no other obvious signs of infection until two days later he woke up pale and floppy.
We took him to the gp who diagnosed him with bronchitis because he continued to have his milk. Later that day he became increasingly unwell, and an ambulance was called. He was admitted to the local hospital, where tests were carried out.
Parker then had a series of seizures and on December 30th 2016, he was taken to Bristol children's hospital where we were told there was damage to his brain. Initially we were told that he would not survive and were advised to get family to say their goodbyes.
Parker did survive but was left with devastating after effects such as sight issues, epilepsy, dystonia and significant brain damage resulting in global delay with physical disabilities. He had lost all of his skills. We had to start a rehab programme, and he was finally discharged back home after 5 months.
We knew we had a very different Parker to care for, and it was tough. He needed around the clock care and his epilepsy became drug resistant. Sadly, after two years and 8 months of fighting, Parker passed away at home.
He is missed so very much and thought of every day.
Meningitis is sneaky and fast processing. We always associated it with a rash until Parker contracted it without one. There’s always hope and always love despite the outcome.