‘He came home for Christmas’: Tragic meningitis death of Kidderminster 18-year-old inspires 100-mile tribute

The family of an 18-year-old football-mad student from Kidderminster are turning their devastating loss into a campaign to protect other young people from meningitis.

Aaron was studying Football Science at Liverpool John Moores University, with a dream of one day becoming part of the coaching staff at his beloved Liverpool Football Club.

His father, Anthony John Mills, said Aaron had been enjoying Christmas at home with his family when tragedy struck.

“He came home for Christmas and enjoyed time with the family,” Anthony said. “Just before New Year he complained of a headache and within 30 minutes, he was having a seizure which he never came round from.”

Despite the devastating loss, Aaron’s final act was one of kindness. His family made the decision for him to donate several vital organs, helping to give other people the chance of life.

Since Aaron’s death, his family and friends have campaigned tirelessly to raise awareness of meningitis and the importance of vaccination, which helped influence the recent government decision to offer MenB vaccination to 18-year-olds going to university this year.

Now one of Aaron’s close friends is taking on an extraordinary challenge in his memory.

On Wednesday, September 16, Shaun McEntee will begin a 100-mile run over five days, starting at Aggborough Stadium, home of Kidderminster Harriers, and finishing at Anfield in Liverpool.

The route has a special significance for Aaron. He was a season-ticket holder at Kidderminster Harriers and regularly watched his local team with his friends, but Liverpool was the club that captured his heart.

Anfield was where Aaron’s football dreams ultimately led him, having recently started his Football Science degree in Liverpool.

Shaun’s challenge will take him through a number of universities and colleges along the route, where he will share Aaron’s story and encourage students to learn more about meningitis and vaccination.

Day One will see Shaun leave Aggborough and head towards the University of Wolverhampton, stopping at King Edward VI College in Stourbridge and Dudley College of Technology along the way.

The run will then continue through further educational establishments before Shaun reaches Liverpool John Moores University — the place where Aaron had begun pursuing his dream — and finally Anfield on Sunday, September 20.

Family and friends will join Shaun for sections of the journey, and the University of Wolverhampton has also stepped in to support him, helping with his training, testing and research, as well as providing sports therapy.

Aaron’s death has already prompted a huge response from the local community. A recent charity football match raised £15,000 for Meningitis Now, while the family have also taken their campaign to Westminster.

To find out more about Shaun’s challenge and Aaron’s legacy, visit: Aaron Love Mills Legacy