Mum 'lucky to be here' after contracting meningitis

A mother who is unable to walk unaided after contracting viral meningitis says she is "lucky to be here today".

Vicki Purdey from Wimborne, Dorset began suffering "flu-like" symptoms in March 2024 – including a fever, headache, and cold hands and feet – and was admitted to Poole Hospital days later.

She says the trauma to the brain caused Functional Neurological Disorder (FND), which has resulted in brain fog, a loss of sensation in her legs and constant pain.

She is now calling for more awareness about meningitis and a roll out of the Meningococcal B (MenB) vaccine after two young people died in an "unprecedented" outbreak in Kent.

The 37-year-old said one of her symptoms was a migraine, which developed over the course of a few days, with the pain similar to that of childbirth.

Her mother called 999 when she started slurring her words.

She said she had no rash, which is one of the symptoms of meningitis.

"This is what I think the common misconception is.

"That's what people look out for - that's what was in the adverts when I was younger," she told BBC Radio Solent.

On Wednesday the UK Health Security Agency issued an alert for the NHS across England on signs and symptoms of meningitis to look out for, warning that staff should not wait for a rash to appear.

Purdey recalled how she "deteriorated quite badly" within hospital.

"I was incredibly ill... it was absolutely awful."

Due to her FND, she now relies on mobility aids and has visits from carers.

"I've basically lost everything that I had previously with my hobbies because I can't do them anymore," she said.

"I'm having to re-learn a new version of who I am and come into acceptance of that.

"Being a mum, being a wife, I've lost out on critical time with my children and the ability to do things that I'd love to do with them."

She believes more awareness needs to be raised about meningitis and is calling for a roll out of the MenB vaccination.

On Tuesday, health secretary Wes Streeting announced he had asked the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation to "re-examine eligibility for meningitis vaccines".

Purdey said: "I will do anything I can to be an advocate for those who are unable to do so themselves currently and for those who have been impacted… and sadly those who have lost their lives," she added.