Meningitis in your words

Sharing stories to save lives worldwide

Storytelling is powerful, bringing experiences into focus and forging connections like nothing else. That is why the telling and reading of an individual, real experience of meningitis can spread awareness, foster understanding, and inspire and empower others. Through words, each account offers hope, comfort, and, above all, saves lives. Whether you carry the physical and emotional scars of meningitis or are grappling with the aftermath, your testimony can ignite action, understanding and strength in others across the world.

Meningitis in your words

2,030 voices for 2030

Stories of meningitis. For you, by you. Submit your story
5 last month Our goal

855 stories

2030

Your latest stories - in your words.

As we head towards 2030, people are adding their stories every day. So, whether you want to motivate and inspire others or want to read people’s experiences of meningitis and sepsis, you’ll find a story that resonates and reminds you that you are never alone.

Drew Darlington's full story
  • UK
  • Meningococcal
  • Teenager
Drew Darlington's story I remember the day I first got ill quite well. I...
Aaima's full story
  • Pakistan
  • Bacterial meningitis, Pneumococcal
  • Baby 0-1
Aaima's story Aima – The Journey of My Little Angel Aima is a sweet little angel who came into this world f...
CoMO Member

All stories

Monique  Hopgood-Willis's full story
  • USA
  • Bacterial meningitis, Pneumococcal
  • Toddler 1-3
Monique Hopgood-Willis' story I contracted bacterial meningitis at two and a half years old...
Lauren Plumtree's full story
  • UK
  • Escherichia coli (E. Coli), Other bacterial meningitis and septicaemia (sepsis) type
  • Baby 0-1
Lauren Plumtree's story At 7:10 am on the 1st October 1990, Lauren was born and 36 hours later she was taken into intensive ...
Ann Bills's full story
  • UK
  • Viral
  • Adult 25-59
Ann Bills' story My name is Ann, I'm 55, I work for the NHS (National Health Service) and I'm recovering from...
Seema Jaswal's full story
  • UK
  • Bacterial meningitis
  • Teenager
Seema Jaswal's story TV presenter Seema Jaswal contracted meningitis at the age of 16, while she was studying for her A-L...
Melanie Heidenreich's full story
  • Europe
  • Pneumococcal
  • Toddler 1-3
Melanie Heidenreich's story Mein Name ist Melanie Heidenreich aus Gießen – Mittelhessen in Deutschland. Ich bin Mutter von...
Jay Aston and Josie Colquhoun's full story
  • UK
  • Bacterial meningitis
  • Teenager
Jay Aston and Josie Colquhoun's story Bucks Fizz singer, Jay Aston, immediately recognised t...
Andrea Lanfri's full story
  • Italy
  • Other bacterial meningitis and septicaemia (sepsis) type
Andrea Lanfri's story Italian athlete, rock climber and adventurer, Andrea Lanfri, lost both of his legs and seven fingers...
Stacey Naiomi Oakley's full story
  • UK
  • Meningococcal, Other bacterial meningitis and septicaemia (sepsis) type
Stacey Naiomi Oakley's story Early morning on the 29th July 1991 our life was turned upside down when we lost our 6 month old dau...
Nathan  Borg's full story
  • Australia
  • Viral
  • Baby 0-1
Nathan Borg's story Neighbours actor, Nathan Borg, lost his hearing after contracting meningitis at just three months ol...
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Make a difference. Share your story.

Survivors, partners, parents, carers, friends, heath workers – everyone has a story to tell. Every story is unique, personal and has something to offer. Whether it’s compassion, encouragement, optimism or despair, by sharing your story you will be helping others who are suffering or have suffered from meningitis and sepsis, letting them know that they are never alone.

Journeys of hope

Even in the darkest of moments, there is hope. People who have overcome meningitis share their inspiring stories of recovery and optimism for the future. View all
Scott Stillman's full story
  • USA
  • Unknown meningitis and septicaemia (sepsis) type, Viral
  • Adult 25-59
Scott Stillman's story In August 2021, our daughter Lucy returned to St Lawrence University in upstate New York for her sec...
Seema Jaswal's full story
  • UK
  • Bacterial meningitis
  • Teenager
Seema Jaswal's story TV presenter Seema Jaswal contracted meningitis at the age of 16, while she was studying for her A-L...
Kirsty 's full story
  • UK
  • Meningococcal
  • Adult 25-59
Kirsty 's story

Stories of strength

Tales of courage, determination and resilience, and how the human spirit can conquer even the hardest of challenges brought by meningitis. View all
Monica's full story
  • Europe
  • Unknown meningitis and septicaemia (sepsis) type
  • Baby 0-1
Monica's story My name is Monica from Norway. B...
Errol Kendall's full story
  • Australia
  • Other bacterial meningitis and septicaemia (sepsis) type
  • Baby 0-1
Errol Kendall's story I was born in the early fifties, my parents in their 30s and I was their 3rd child and their first b...
Luke adams's full story
  • UK
  • Group B meningococcal (MenB), Other bacterial meningitis and septicaemia (sepsis) type
  • Teenager
Luke adams' story It was Easter Friday . M...

Tales of tenacity

Living with and through meningitis is a battle in all sorts of unimaginable ways. Here, people share their tales of overcoming hurdles and winning even the smallest of battles. View all
Dianora 's full story
  • Group B meningococcal (MenB)
  • Young Adult 20-25
Dianora 's story
Irene Lopez's full story
  • Spain
  • Bacterial meningitis
Irene Lopez's story On September 14th 2012, I was 29 years old. T...
CoMO Member
Cameron's full story
  • Australia
  • Pneumococcal
  • Baby 0-1
Cameron's story Cameron was five and a half months old when he developed pneumococcal meningitis in a remote country...

Circles of support

Coping with meningitis is often a team effort. Read the experiences of families and friends who have supported their loved ones through their battle with meningitis. View all
Jay Aston and Josie Colquhoun's full story
  • UK
  • Bacterial meningitis
  • Teenager
Jay Aston and Josie Colquhoun's story Bucks Fizz singer, Jay Aston, immediately recognised t...
Emily 's full story
  • UK
  • Meningococcal
  • Young Adult 20-25
Emily 's story
Mellodi March's full story
  • USA
  • Unknown meningitis and septicaemia (sepsis) type
  • Baby 0-1
Mellodi March's story I am Katelyn March, Mellie's mommy. H...

Healthcare heroes

Stories that celebrate the compassion and commitment of healthcare professionals, and the vital role they play in treating and supporting people with meningitis. View all
Hayley Tamaddon's full story
  • UK
  • Viral
  • Adult 25-59
Hayley Tamaddon's story Actress, Hayley Tamaddon, famous for her roles in Emmerdale and Coronation Street, contracted mening...
Erin Lamond 's full story
  • UK
  • Escherichia coli (E. Coli)
Erin Lamond 's story My daughter contracted ecoli meningitis at 10 days old...

Beyond meningitis

Many people don’t want to be defined by their illness. Here, they share their stories of personal growth, pursuing their passions and fulfilling their ambitions. View all
Aaron Phipps MBE's full story
  • Other bacterial meningitis and septicaemia (sepsis) type
  • Teenager
Aaron Phipps MBE's story Gold medal-winning Paralympian, Aaron Phipps MBE, had to have both legs ampu...
Leo 's full story
  • UK
  • Meningococcal
  • Baby 0-1
Leo 's story