Gregory started life as a healthy baby but contracted meningitis at two weeks old. Now, at 17, he is dependent on others for his day-to-day care. The Meningitis Trust provided a lifeline and now regularly helps the family with a financial support grant towards respite care, allowing the family more ‘freedom’ during the summer months.
“Thanks to the Meningitis Trust’s financial support grant service, we are lucky to have respite to help us in the summer. We also had financial help for a mobile hoist, which has been great as we have been able to take Gregory out to places much more.”
Gregory’s mother, Pearl Davey |
Mick was a catering manager when he contracted meningitis in 2006. He stayed in intensive care for over two weeks where doctors battled to save his life. Thankfully, he survived but doctors had to amputate both his legs below the knee, to save him. Determined to return to the career he loved, Mick and his employer, the Fire Service, turned to the Meningitis Trust and used its Employer’s Information Pack for support and guidance whist planning his return to the workplace.
“Without the ongoing support of the Meningitis Trust, returning to work would have been far more challenging.”
Mick Skee |
In 2001, at six weeks old, Lauren Booth contracted streptococcal B meningitis, which affected her hearing, speech and mobility. The Booth family, including Lauren’s grandmother, came along to a family day and also received counselling from the Trust. Thanks to our financial support grant service, the family invested in a special tricycle for Lauren when she was five – allowing her to be independently mobile. The Trust also funds ongoing speech and language therapy. Now seven years old, Lauren’s love for cycling has blossomed and she has taken up road racing.
Working with a coach, she races every week and is one of the top 10 under eight road cyclists in the UK.
“The grant for the tricycle was hugely helpful. It is comforting to know an organisation is available - offering support for life to those affected by this disease. Lauren has certainly benefited and continues to do so every day.”
Lauren’s mother, Lisa-Jayne Booth |
Danny Stevenson, who contracted meningococcal septicaemia on July 25 2007, aged two, died within four hours. Danny had been poorly the previous evening but showed no signs of meningitis. At 7.15am he was diagnosed with meningococcal septicaemia. Danny fought the disease but it eventually claimed him at 9.14am. The Stevenson family decided to set up a Meningitis Trust tribute fund in Danny’s name.
“Maybe one day they will find a vaccine
and then no other family will have to go through what we have gone through. We find comfort in the fact that Danny's memory lives on through his tribute fund and all the people that knew and loved him, and those that were not fortunate to meet him, continue to raise money in his name to help others.”
Danny’s mother, Nora Stevenson |
Ellie Sutton contracted pneumococcal meningitis in February 2006 and battled the disease in intensive care at Great Ormond Street hospital. Ellie now has epilepsy, hearing loss and brain damage which has resulted in learning difficulties. Ellie’s Mother, Sarah, sought information and support through our literature, website and community based staff. She also received a financial support grant to assist with travel costs for hospital appointments.
“With all the help from the Meningitis Trust we have been able to start rebuilding our lives. There was always someone to talk to at the Trust, everyone is really understanding.”
Ellie’s mother, Sarah Gill |
In 2006, aged 18 months, Noah Tuffs contracted pneumococcal meningitis which left him with loss of hearing in both ears. Now aged three, Noah ‘hears’ through his bilateral cochlear implants (surgically implanted devices that stimulate the auditory nerve). With the help of our financial support grants, used for auditory verbal therapy, his family is looking to a more positive future.“This has made a real difference to our family and Noah now listens well and talks using five word phrases. We are so proud of him and are incredibly thankful for the financial support that we receivedfrom the Meningitis Trust which enabled us to access this life changing therapy.”
Noah’s mother, Donna Tuffs |
Oliver contracted meningitis at just 20 months old. He spent six weeks in hospital, fighting for his life. Thankfully Oliver survived but had a double amputation of his legs below the knee.
“We are fundraising for the Meningitis Trust which has provided us with so much support since Oliver was diagnosed, and which will
continue to support everyone affected by meningitis well into the future.”
Oliver's dad, Alan Lewis |
