Meningitis at Christmas- Awareness Concert

December is a funny old time of year for my family because I went into hospital at the end of November, and relapsed a couple of days before Christmas Day. I spent the night in West Cornwall hospital who decided not to give me a lumbar puncture as I had had one two weeks previously.

However, I was honoured to be able to speak at a Meningitis Now Christmas carol concert and recount my experience which helped to channel any sombre feelings into good use. I spoke towards the end of the concert which meant that I had to sit through several amazing musical performances feeling a bit nervous! I had prepared prompt cards- I don't usually do any form of public speaking with a script but had some just in case. My biggest concern however was being tall enough to stand in front of the pew!

Apologies for poor photo quality!

I also had to ring my dad the night before and ask him a few things that I couldn't remember. Obviously my parents were far more aware of what was happening to me than I was in BRI hospital and I got a mit emotional telling the audience about the moment dad was told by the consultant I might die. This was probably because two people very dear to me were sitting at the front! I had to avoid eye contact with them so as to not start blubbing and I couldnt' look at Geri, our London co-ordinator either because she has also been a fab support. What is it about people being nice to you that makes you more sad?!

Anyway, I made it through my speech and met some absolutely wonderful people afterwards- so thank you to everyone who donated, and to Sue for giving me the opportunity to speak! Oh, and Merry Christmas!

#meningitis #speech #london #awareness