Tragedy Turns into Hope: A Welsh Family’s Mission to Combat Meningitis B 💪💉
Lee and Helen Draper tragically lost their daughter, Megan, just five weeks after she started university due to a MenB infection. They believe Megan could still be here today if the MenB vaccine had been available to them. Now, the Drapers are turning their pain into action.
A new vaccine programme against MenB is set to roll out in Wales this autumn, giving hope and protection to thousands of students. Targeting those aged 17-18 and students aged 18-25 entering higher education, the initiative follows a MenB outbreak in Kent that claimed the lives of two students earlier this year.
Megan’s mum, Helen, shared how her daughter was thrilled to start her physiotherapy studies at university. But, within weeks, Megan felt unwell, developing a rash, headache, and fever. Despite seeking help, she was misdiagnosed and sent home from A&E twice. Her condition rapidly worsened on her way back to Wales, ultimately causing catastrophic brain damage.
Helen and Lee had assumed that the school vaccinations covered all meningitis strains, only learning after Megan’s death that the MenB vaccine was private. With this new public initiative, they urge parents to seize this life-saving opportunity for their children.
“People reach out to us in desperation,” say the Drapers. “We don’t want any other family to endure what we have. If we’d had access to this vaccine, Megan might still be here.”
Let’s spread the word about the MenB vaccine! Protect your loved ones and help prevent more heartbreak. #MeningitisAwareness #MeningitisB #VaccineRollout #WalesHealth
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