"We know I am fortunate to have survived, knowing how quickly this disease took my cousin’s life."
Libby, from Torquay in Devon, was 11 months old when she became ill with pneumococcal meningitis in October 1999. It left her profoundly deaf and with epilepsy, but that hasn’t stopped her signing up to run this year’s London Marathon. Libby is also running in memory of her cousin Nicholas, who sadly died from meningitis shortly before she became ill.
“I was taken to hospital aged 11 months in October 1999 after my parents suspected meningitis symptoms. I was pale, clammy, with flu-like symptoms and letting out a strange cry.
“Not long before this my aunty and uncle had lost their son Nicholas to meningococcal septicaemia and meningitis and its symptoms were at the forefront of my family’s mind.
“I spent several weeks in intensive care and on hospital wards, where it was discovered I had pneumococcal meningitis. Paramedics did not suspect meningitis and my parents needed to challenge medical professional's opinions. They knew how time critical it was.
Couldn’t lift my head or speak
“Before I was admitted I was learning to walk and talking. In hospital I couldn’t lift my head or speak.
“When I was discharged, I was diagnosed profoundly deaf and given a cochlear implant a year later. Aged 13 I was diagnosed with epilepsy.
“When I started university, aged 18, I got in touch with Meningitis Now for support. I was able to meet others affected by this disease and realised I wasn’t alone with the hidden after-effects.
Contacted the nurse-led Helpline
“I contacted Meningitis Now’s nurse-led Helpline. I was advised I could ask my GP for a referral for tests. I was diagnosed with brain injury by my neuropsychologist. He explained how surprised he was that I had managed so well for so long.
"For the first time, what I had been experiencing since I was a child made sense. Now I have a letter I can show to evidence this. This has changed my life. I can show my employer, professionals, family and friends to help explain how they can support me.
“I have also been fortunate to receive an award from the charity’s Rebuilding Futures Fund for support and to learn British Sign Language, as well as attending many day and weekend events meeting other young people through its Believe & Achieve initiative for young people.
Community of friends
“I have a community of friends from Believe & Achieve. We stay in contact all the time and know we will always be there to offer support when things get tough. It's surprised me how similar we are in some ways and they understand.
“Counselling and Believe & Achieve have changed my perspective on how I view my after-effects, giving me the knowledge and confidence to know that I can manage these and advocate for my needs.
“We recognise that the after-effects are something I will continue to manage for the rest of my life. As a family we know I am fortunate to have survived, knowing how quickly this disease took my cousin’s life.
Sign up to the London Marathon
“This year I made an ‘unwise’ decision to sign up to the London Marathon, thinking I may not get a place! I am running to support those who have lost their lives to this cruel disease, like my cousin, but also so that everyone who lives with the after-effects can continue to get the support they need.
“On race day, my aunty will be attending to cheer me on, alongside my parents and friends.”
Kyra McDonnell, our Fundraising Officer, said: “We are so grateful for our team of 60 runners taking part in the TCS London Marathon this year. So far they have raised over £75,000 and are helping us to raise vital awareness of the disease in their local communities. If you are inspired by Libby and the whole of Team Tangerine, keep an eye on our website for how to apply to run in 2026!”
You can support Libby's efforts on her fundraising page here.
