Rosie's meningitis miracle
31.08.10
BRIDGWATER teenager Rosie Collington is unique. Not only is she one of a handful of people in the whole world to contract a rare form of meningitis - but it's also a miracle that she pulled through unscathed.
The 17-year-old was struck down by varicella zoster meningitis last year, much to the surprise of doctors.
It's believed Rosie initially contracted shingles, caused by the varicella zoster virus, which then led to life-threatening meningitis.
Had she been treated just an hour or two later then she may have died or been left with hearing or sight problems.
Luckily, doctors at Musgrove Park Hospital in Taunton treated her straight away for suspected meningitis and she made a miraculous recovery.
Just weeks later and Rosie was able to complete her GCSEs and score a set of perfect A and A-star grades.
Now she's busily organising a fundraising gig for Meningitis UK in a bid to fund research into finding a vaccine for the disease.
Rosie, who is studying for the International Baccalaureate at Bridgwater College, said: "I had been on holiday in Egypt and a week later became really photophobic.
"I tried getting up and going to school but started being sick. I had a migraine and couldn't eat anything. I felt dreadful.
"I'd slept the whole day but when I woke up I started throwing up again and fainted. My mum called an ambulance and straightaway they suspected meningitis."
Initially doctors believed Rosie had the less serious viral form of meningitis but when she wasn't responding to treatment alarm bells started to ring.
Results from a lumber puncture were sent to Bristol for analysis as confirmed an unusual strain of the disease, but it was thanks to student doctor Camilla Peevers that the exact type was pinpointed.
Rosie added: "There hadn't been any cases in this country before and they can't explain how I got it. I was told only three cases have ever been reported in the world.
"Thankfully I was treated just in time. "If I'd got to hospital any later then I would have fallen into a coma, lost my hearing, sight or possibly died.
"It's such a dangerous disease so I feel lucky to have pulled through, which is why I'm organising this gig for Meningitis UK - to help protect other people."
Rosie has organised an evening of acoustic music from 6.30pm on Sunday, September 5, at The Duke.
Entry is free but Rosie's hoping people will make donations on the door.
Money raised from Rosie's fundraising efforts will go towards Meningitis UK's Search 4 a Vaccine Campaign. It aims to raise £7million to fund vital research into developing a vaccine against all forms of meningitis.
Steve Dayman, who founded Meningitis UK after his son Spencer died from the disease, said: "We're really grateful for Rosie's fundraising efforts and hope everyone will support her on what should be a good night of live music.
"We were pleased to hear that she made such a good recovery thanks to prompt treatment at hospital.
"Because meningitis can kill in less than four hours, early recognition, diagnosis and prompt treatment can mean the difference between life and death.
"Her experiences show just how many types of meningitis there are, which can strike anyone at any time, often for no apparent reason.
"Unfortunately not everyone makes a full recovery and the disease kills hundreds of people each year. Every penny Rosie raises will go towards our single focus - to find a vaccine to eradicate meningitis and save thousands of lives in the future."
MeningitisUK · Registered Charity No.1076774
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