Meningitis Survivor's Grueling Desert Trek

In late 2010, a then 54-year-old individual experienced a life-threatening bout of viral meningitis, a critical illness that caused doctors to prepare her parents for the worst. Initially mistaking her symptoms for a severe flu, she endured crippling headaches and fevers for three weeks. The severity escalated, leading to hospitalization where doctors informed her parents of her critical condition.

It took several days for medical professionals to diagnose viral meningitis, which was not commonly understood in adults at the time. She also had glandular fever, spending ten days in the hospital. This harrowing experience motivated her to become involved with Meningitis Now, serving as its president since 2011.

She stresses that meningitis symptoms can mimic a common flu and can affect individuals of any age, not just infants. The rash, often associated with meningitis, may appear late, by which point complications like septicaemia, potentially leading to limb loss, can occur.

Recently, from March 5-10, 2026, she participated in an arduous Sahara Trek for Meningitis Now. This event involved walking up to 50km in temperatures as high as 35°C. The trek united survivors and families who have lost loved ones to the disease, fostering a profound sense of shared resilience and mutual support.

Lingering effects from her illness include persistent headaches and increased fatigue. She now prioritizes listening to her body and avoiding overexertion. Inspired by the trek, she is already contemplating future fundraising adventures, potentially the Great Wall of China.