Experiences of contracting meningitis highlighted during specially chartered train

  • ITV News reporter Ciaran Fitzpatrick has been speaking to people onboard a chartered train raising awareness for meningitis.


A woman from Didcot has shared her experience of fighting meningitis as a child with others on a dedicated train journey to London Paddington.Erin Jones was left with an acquired brain injury following the disease when she was just 8 years old.

She joined other people raising awareness ahead of World Meningitis Day on Saturday, including a man from Wiltshire who lost his daughter to the illness.Great Western Railway partnered with Meningitis Now to organise the event, from Cheltenham to Paddington.


  • Erin Jones were among those on the service affected by meningitis as the train travelled through Didcot, Reading Stroud and Swindon.


The group were met by TV presenter Lisa Snowdon, herself hospitalised for 10 days a decade ago after contracting meningitis, for a special reception at the London station.

The purpose of the service is to raise awareness of the condition, which can kill 1 in 10 people who contract it.

They want to encourage more parents to keep on track of their children’s vaccine schedule.

On World Meningitis Day this Saturday, the iconic landmark will be lit up in Orange.

The hope is that one day deaths of this disease will be a thing of the past with scientists and charity bosses optimistic they can stop meningitis in its tracks.


What is meningitis?

Meningitis is an infection of the protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord (meninges).

It can affect anyone, but is most common in babies, young children, teenagers and young adults.

Symptoms of meningitis

Symptoms of meningitis develop suddenly and can include:

  • a high temperature (fever)

  • being sick

  • a headache

  • a rash that does not fade when a glass is rolled over it (but a rash will not always develop)

  • a stiff neck

  • a dislike of bright lights

  • drowsiness or unresponsiveness

  • seizures (fits)

Meningitis is usually caused by a bacterial or viral infection. Bacterial meningitis is rarer but more serious than viral meningitis.

Infections that cause meningitis can be spread through:

  • sneezing

  • coughing

  • kissing

Viral meningitis will usually get better on its own and rarely causes any long-term problems.

Most people with bacterial meningitis who are treated quickly will also make a full recovery, although some are left with serious long-term problems.


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