Date published: 26 June 2025
Presenter, model, social media influencer and author - there’s no stopping Tilly Lockey. Yet one of her most significant roles is raising awareness of the symptoms and dangers of meningitis, which she contracted as a baby.
Doctors told her parents that their daughter would probably die and to prepare for the worst. After four weeks in hospital, Tilly pulled through but the effects of the infection on her body meant she had to have her toes and arms amputated. Fitted with prosthetic arms when she was eight, she was the first person in the world to get wireless bionic hands.
There were no vaccinations available for babies when Tilly was born and she and her mother Sarah both campaign to raise awareness of the disease.
What is meningitis?
Inflammation of membranes that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord. Some bacteria that cause meningitis can also cause septicaemia or blood poisoning.
Symptoms of meningitis develop suddenly and can include:
- a high temperature
- being sick
- a headache
- a rash that does not fade when a glass is rolled over it (a rash will not always develop)
- a stiff neck
- a dislike of bright lights
- drowsiness or unresponsiveness
- seizures
- muscle and joint pain (like Hannah)
These symptoms can appear in any order. You do not always get all the symptoms. If you have any of these symptoms, call NHS 111.
Term time boost
Choosing a bank account or picking accommodation, the to do list before starting college or university is long. Being vaccinated against meningitis could get you the biggest tick.
One in four young people carry the bacteria which causes meningitis in the back of their throats compared to one in ten in the general population.
Mixing with new people, living in close quarters, coughing and kissing means first year students at university are particularly at risk of contracting the disease. Make sure you are protected.
Vaccinations to protect against meningitis are free and available through the NHS for:
- Children through your GP
- Children in Year 9 as part of the routine immunisation programme in schools
- Adults aged 18 to 25 who have never received a vaccine containing MenC available through your GP
Health checklist
Get your medical appointments booked and out of the way before you leave for life in a new area.
- Check your vaccine records. See your GP to get any boosters or missing ones
- Go for a dental check up. The start of term isn't the best time to get a wisdom tooth removed
- If you wear contact lenses or glasses, check if you are due an eye test
- Talk to your GP or sexual health clinic about condoms and contraception
- Register with a local GP or the university medical centre when you arrive
- Make sure you have any medication needed for long term conditions. Tell your new flatmates know what it’s for and where you keep it.
Further information
