Luke was 22 when he contracted meningococcal meningitis in October last year. Just six months later, despite ongoing long-term effects including fatigue and dizziness, he’s taking on the AJ Bell Great Manchester Run next month.
“On 13th October last year I was rushed into Manchester Royal Infirmary and diagnosed with bacterial meningitis, the worst form of meningitis, and a disease I’d never heard of.
“It began as what felt like a regular cold: a sore throat, mild headache, nothing alarming. That lasted for about a week, then things escalated into flu-like symptoms: fever, muscle pain, and a bad headache. I now know these are all the classic warning signs of meningitis, which I ignored.
In a delirious state
“Three days later, and a day before I was admitted to hospital, I was in a delirious state and had turned blue in colour, which I now know was a sign of sepsis. Thankfully, a friend noticed and called 111, who told him to call 999 or get me to hospital. I was later told that if I’d waited any longer, I could have developed sepsis, and it even may have been fatal.
“The next month in hospital was the hardest time of my life, endless rounds of IV antibiotics, blood tests, and several scans.
“The meningitis led to further complications such as ventriculitis, which has a mortality rate of 1 in 4. It meant I had to continue to have IV antibiotics for 10 days twice a day at home after I was discharged.
"I developed issues with my heart (now thankfully resolved), and I’m still dealing with ongoing long-term effects, fatigue, dizziness, and trouble focusing for long periods.
I know I’ve been lucky
“Even so, I know I’ve been extremely lucky. I'm indebted to the team at the Manchester Royal Infirmary, the IV at home team, my girlfriend Millie, family, and friends who supported me.
“To mark my continuing recovery I’m taking on the AJ Bell Great Manchester half marathon on the 18th May to help raise awareness of meningitis and funds for Meningitis Now to fight back against it.
“With virtually no prior running experience, I’ve decided it’s a great idea. If my story can raise even a little awareness or help someone act quicker in the future, then it’s already worth it to me.”
Luke’s well on the way to reaching his £800 target. You can support his efforts on his fundraising page here.
