'If in doubt get it checked out' - My daughter had meningitis as a baby, I thought I was going to lose her
A mum has recalled the moment her daughter was diagnosed with meningitis as a baby and the fear she may lose her.
Millie Thornley, who is originally from Fleetwood, survived bacterial meningitis at three months old – now, aged 15 and a pupil at Garstang High School, Millie is preparing to join mum Becki for the first time on a fundraising charity walk later this year in aid of the charity Meningitis Now.
The Lantern Memory Walk, covering five kilometres, is at Wythenshawe, South Manchester, on October, and the pair have already exceeded their initial sponsorship fund-raising target of £200, more than six months ahead of the event.
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Becki, 33, who moved from Fleetwood to Garstang, still vividly remembers when Millie was rushed to hospital at such a young age and, particularly in the wake of the recent outbreak of the potentially deadly disease at a university in Kent, is keen to warn of the danger signs.
“Many people think a rash is the key sign but that wasn’t the case with Millie - she was generally unwell, started to look grey and was sensitive to light,” said Becki.
“If in doubt, it’s important to get it checked out. We got Millie to Blackpool Victoria Hospital, where she was transferred to the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital and it was such a worrying time.
“I thought I might lose her but she survived it and is now enjoying life as a 15-year-old. I’ve done a few of these charity walks myself and now for the first time Millie is joining me. It’s so important to raise awareness.”
“Meningitis Now is very close to our hearts as Millie is a survivor.
“It is the first meningitis patient group in the world, founders of the meningitis movement and the only charity dedicated to fighting meningitis in the UK. Since 1986 , the charity has invested over £12.7m in early stage research.
“The outbreak in Kent was a reminder to everyone just how deadly this disease can be and the money I raise will help fund vital awareness of the signs and symptoms of the disease - it's not just the glass test! - while supporting further research into meningitis and helping provide everything from counselling to adaptive equipment for those whose lives have been changed forever by meningitis.”
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So far the pair have raised £270.