Student almost killed by meningitis to walk 22 miles
A student who nearly died and was left partially deaf after contracting meningitis has bravely put together a team for this year's Bridgnorth Walk.
Harriet Rogers is aiming to raise awareness about the potentially fatal illness, which affects more than 3,000 people every year.
She was 18 when she first began feeling ill while studying Digital SFX Animation at Edge Hill University, near Liverpool.
The former Bridgnorth Endowed School pupil collapsed getting a drink of water and her friends called an ambulance.
It turned out Harriet had contracted a rare strain of the illness and only survived thanks to her strong genes and healthy lifestyle.
Now she aims to conquer the 22 mile senior walk, which climbs to the top of the Brown Clee.
"I had been feeling ill for a while and we were told I could be diabetic or be anaemic," said Harriet, who is now 19 and retaking the first year of her degree.
"I had taken a week off from university and the Sunday before I fell ill I had returned to university from home.
"I began violently shaking for two hours as I felt really cold. I had a high temperature, a headache, lethargy, nose pain and was dehydrated.
"Thankfully I had a friend there who checked my temperature and said that I was extremely hot, as I was sweating even though I packed the layers on to stay warm.
"I kept drinking and drinking, going through several glasses and still feeling very thirsty.
"In the end I got up to go to the bathroom for water and collapsed.
"My friend picked me up and placed me back in bed. After waiting for me to come around an ambulance was called and I was taken to A&E.
Harriet, who stayed in hospital from December 7 to December 19, was dealt more bad news when she was finally given the all clear to leave.
Her grandmother died the day after, her cousin contracted Scarlet Fever and then uncle was involved in a car accident.
But the family, including her mother and father, Barry and Deborah, and her sister, Evelyn, were still able to enjoy part of Christmas and then a trip to Harry Potter for Harriet's 19th birthday on January 7.
"My whole aim is to spread awareness and for people to understand more about the symptoms," she said.
She has entered the Bridgnorth Walk, which takes place on May 25, and is looking for walkers to join her team by visiting the Bridgnorth Walk website, www.bridgnorthwalk.org.uk, and searching for Meningitis Now.
