‘The medics didn’t knowifIwasgoing to pull through’

Gareth Armstrong (33) works in visitors’ services at Hillsborough Castle. He is married to Sharon and they live in Ballynahinch with their son Harvey (6). He says:

Three years ago I started to feel ill and was vomiting. I thought I had food poisoning and it would pass as I’m rarely ill.

At one stage, however, I started to lose my sight and my dad got really worried so he forced me into the car and took me to the doctors in Ballynahinch.

By the time we got there I was pretty out of it and very drowsy. I don’t remember much about being there, but fortunately the doctor recognised the symptoms and immediately gave me an antibiotic shot and called an ambulance.

That injection saved my life. When I got to the hospital it was confirmed I had meningitis — and everyone was really worried about me.

The medics didn’t know if I would pull through or not. And, even if I did, there was a chance I could lose limbs, fingers, toes or my sight and ultimately it could have killed me.

I had all the classic symptoms of meningitis — vomiting, a sore neck, bright lights were difficult to look at — but I didn’t realise it as I didn’t think adults could get meningitis and I wasn’t aware of the symptoms.

I was one of the lucky ones — I came out the other side. It was an horrendous 10 days, particularly for my wife and family. I had to have a lumbar puncture which was very difficult.

In the early stages I had to go back once a week to hospital to check it wasn’t returning. Recovery was slow and it took about two years for me to get back to full health. The fatigue was the hardest to come to terms with and I had a sore back where they did the lumbar puncture.

I started having physio as I wanted to begin running and my goal was to complete a marathon.

I have now run four marathons and eight half marathons, including the London Marathon for the Meningitis Research Fund. Currently, I’m in training for the Belfast Marathon in May, again, to raise funds for the charity.

I want to give something back. It is thanks to its research that I am alive with no permanent damage.

I’ve got a second chance at life now and am here for a reason, so I want to do all that I can to help others and to raise awareness. I am so thankful to my wife and family who stayed with me 24/7 and who never gave up on me.

The most important message I can give people is to be aware of the symptoms and if you are in any doubt visit your GP.”

I’ve got a second chance at life ... so I want to help others and raise awareness