Tommy’s story
In March 2012 Tommy Brown contracted the ‘B strain’ of meningococcal meningitis and septicaemia. The disease was so aggressive and extensive that he was given only a 5 per cent chance of survival. Despite this, he defied the odds but was left with multiple amputations.
Tommy woke up burning hot, with a raging temperature before developing a purple blotchy rash on his body.
Tommy’s mum, Julie, took him straight to her GP where the urgency and severity of Tommy’s condition became apparent very quickly.
Tommy was rushed to the A&E department at Walsall Manor Infirmary where he had to be revived and doctors worked for hours to stabilise him.
He was then moved to Glenfield Hospital where Tommy was put onto dialysis and was given 13 different drugs. He was sedated all along to make him more comfortable, and his parents were told that he was going to lose all four of his limbs.
On 22nd March 2012, Tommy had the operation to remove all of his right hand, all of his left fingers and both of his legs below the knee. Later on, however, Tommy had to lose his right knee as it was not healing.
In total, Tommy spent a total of three months in hospital, including six weeks in the intensive care unit.
Nearly five years on from his life changing experiences, Tommy is a courageous young boy who adapts remarkably well to everyday life and the challenges thrown at him.
Julie, Tommy’s mum said, “It makes me cry to see Tommy alert and looking about, then looking at where his hands and legs used to be, as if he is wondering where they are. It was so painful to see him suffer and go through the operations – we’re very lucky to still have our beautiful boy."

We are fundraising now to give Tommy a better future. The legs needed are very expensive. When Tommy reaches his teens, Tommy will able to choose the legs he wants and not worry about the cost.
Thank you for taking the time to read Tommy's story and please donate what you can.