Puddle Ducks Lincolnshire is raising money for Meningitis Research Foundation which is the world’s leading meningitis charity, driven by a passionate mission to prevent its devastating impact. One of our swimmers suggested this charity due to their frightening experience earlier this year. Here are some words from Angelica's Mummy...

"At only 8 weeks old, Angelica contracted bacterial meningitis.

Although she had no "serious" symptoms I wasn't happy with how lethargic she was and that her raised temperature kept returning.

On arrival at a second visit to an A&E department Angelica presented well and blood tests showed only slightly raised infection markers. However the hospital asked me to wait 12 hours for observation and I'm so grateful they did. At the 11th hour Angelica had a huge temperature spike and her heartrate rocketed setting off the monitors. Immediately doctors took her for a lumbar puncture, before confirming that she had bacterial meningitis. I was devastated but worse was to come.

After 48 hours in hospital Angelica deteriorated quickly and started having seizures, followed by cluster seizures. Concerned that the IV antibiotics were not working, she was also given IV antivirals and had another lumbar puncture alongside blood tests. An MRI showed that she'd had a small brain haemorrhage and it was a waiting game to see how she would recover. She also had multiple other tests and it was heart breaking watching my tiny baby endure so much.

It was incredibly lonely and anxiety inducing - I couldn't understand why she hadn't displayed more symptoms and reached out to the Meningitis Research Foundation for support. It was incredibly helpful to have their advice and guidance as we navigated treatment and also once we had been discharged from hospital.

Due to the way in which this infection presents itself the diagnosis is not always straightforward or apparent but the results of delay can be devastating."

Angelica's Mummy, Georgina, reached out to us having experienced, first hand the work and the support this charity offer. Georgina is now an ambassador for the Meningitis Research Foundation and we are proud to be supporting this charity through our Pyjama Week fundraising.