Bacterial meningitis is a devastating illness that can affect anyone, irrespective of age, gender or level of fitness. Josh Vickery was a fit and healthy 40 year old husband and dad of three when he was struck by meningitis and he sadly passed away after suffering irreversible brain damage in May 2021.

His family and friends are raising money for Meningitis Now and generally raising awareness as to the symptoms of meningitis. Although many people are aware of the later symptoms of meningitis, such as a rash which does not blanch or fade when a glass is rolled over it and a dislike of bright lights, there is not as much awareness of the early symptoms.

Josh, who was an avid cricketer and coach at Bridgwater Cricket Club, had suffered with lingering ear infection and he then developed a severe headache and became very sleepy, as well as continuing to suffer ear ache. Such symptoms can occur as early symptoms of meningitis but as they are often encountered as part of other less serious conditions, there is the risk that early symptoms of meningitis are not recognised by medical professionals, leading to a delay in diagnosis.

Someone with meningitis can get worse very quickly and so it is of vital importance that early symptoms of meningitis are recognised and treatment started. Bacterial meningitis needs urgent treatment with intravenous antibiotics and rapid admission to hospital. Meningitis can cause life-threatening sepsis and result in permanent damage to the brain or nerves or the need for amputation of limbs or as with Josh, it can lead to death; indeed, according to Meningitis – NHS (www.nhs.uk), 1 in 10 cases of bacterial meningitis is fatal. However, if someone with meningitis can be treated at the earliest opportunity, this gives them the best chance of recovery.

According to Meningitis Now, other early symptoms of meningitis can include:

• Fever
• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Muscle pain
• Stomach cramps
• Fever with cold hands and feet

The Bridgwater Cricket Club have arranged a number of events in Josh’s memory since his passing and the most recent event was a 351-mile bike ride from Paris to Somerset. Their quest is to ensure a brighter future, where no one dies from meningitis and anyone affected gets the support they need to live a happy, full and complete life, which is a wonderful legacy for Josh.

The link to their fundraising page is: Fundraiser by Michael Coles : Cycle For The Vicar & JV Half Marathon 2024 (gofundme.com)