My Meningitis Story

I ignored my body and the signs it was giving me for almost a month. It was November 2010 – I was co-hosting the Capital Breakfast show daily, early starts and long days, running from event to event, convincing myself that the crushing headaches, the fever, the stiff neck were just end-of-year exhaustion. No amount of painkillers touched the pain. When I switched on the Bond Street Christmas lights, I was on the verge of collapse. Hours later I was in hospital the doctors not knowing what was wrong with me. My parents were called and told that I was incredibly sick and they should say their goodbyes.

It’s was a very scary time. After endless tests and scans it was determined that I had Viral Meningitis- I was very poorly and in hospital for 10 days.

Even now, over a decade on, I know I'm not quite the same – I struggle with headaches, fatigue and my memory isn’t as sharp as it was.

I became an Ambassador for Meningitis Now in 2011 and have worked with them to help raise their profile as well as funds so they can continue to help to support families who have been affected but this disease and who have lost loved ones-

I was one of the lucky ones, so many people lose their lives to this disease and those who survive live with life limiting conditions.

I'm proud to now be President of Meningitis Now and will never stop talking about meningitis, the signs the symptoms and to fight to have more money to ensure young people, the elderly and anyone who is vulnerable has access to the Men B vaccine or a booster- Meningitis doesn’t discriminate doesn't care how busy you are, how successful you are, or how healthy you think you are. It can strike anyone, at any age. Know the signs. Trust your instincts. Don't do what I did and push through. Your health is worth more than any deadline.

To celebrate Meningitis Now's 40 incredible years of life-saving research and support for those affected by meningitis, we will be trekking the Sahara in March 2026.

We'll be taking to the dunes and ancient riverbeds of one of the largest, and most beautiful deserts in the world, in temperatures up to 35oC. The trek isn't for the faint of heart, and every penny you donate will help support the work of Meningitis Now in the UK.

Please help and donate what you can- thank you

Lisa & George xxx

Please also sign the No Plan B for Men B