Brothers Who Both Survived Meningitis Within a Year Urge Young People to Know the Symptoms

Two brothers from Wrexham who contracted meningitis within twelve months of each other have spoken of their narrow escape from the illness, describing themselves as fortunate to be alive. Saul and Drew Darlington, now aged 29 and 26, fell ill as teenagers and initially believed it was simply an unusual coincidence that both of them had been struck down by the same infection. It was only later that tests revealed the real explanation: both men carry properdin deficiency, a rare immunodeficiency that leaves them more vulnerable to serious infections such as meningitis.

Saul was the first to fall ill, at the age of 17, while he was away on a school trip. He began feeling cold and found that light hurt his eyes, symptoms that many people might dismiss as the beginnings of a common cold or flu. However, when a purple rash appeared on his skin, his family acted quickly and took him to A&E. Reflecting on how rapidly his condition deteriorated, Saul said that had he gone to sleep that night, he would probably have died.

He went on to spend a week in hospital, an experience he described as genuinely frightening, particularly given his young age. He recalled that the moment his mother used the word meningitis, he could see how alarmed she was, and that the whole situation felt unfamiliar and deeply worrying to the family. His swift admission to hospital is likely to have been a decisive factor in his survival.

Almost exactly a year later, the family's ordeal repeated itself. Drew, then 16 and in the middle of studying for his GCSEs, started to feel unwell with a high temperature but showed no other obvious signs of illness. Things changed abruptly after a visit to the GP. Drew explained that when he left the house he had no rash at all, but when the doctor lifted his top, a large rash had spread across his chest and stomach. Purple dots had also appeared on the roof of his mouth, a less widely recognised warning sign of the disease.

Drew was rushed to hospital and spent a fortnight on the children's ward at Wrexham Maelor hospital. His brother later admitted that he found it strange that both of them had contracted the same illness, wondering aloud what the odds of such a thing happening could possibly be. For the first 48 hours, Drew's condition hung in the balance before he gradually started to recover. Even then, the aftermath was difficult: he lost a significant amount of weight and it took months before he felt fully well again.

Both brothers credit rapid decision-making by medical staff with saving their lives. Drew said he was extremely grateful that the doctor called an ambulance immediately upon noticing the rash, and that those quick choices were potentially life-saving. Their experience underlines a message that health campaigners repeat constantly: with meningitis, time is critical and delays in treatment can prove fatal.

The pair have since made a full recovery, but their health remains a permanent concern. Tests confirmed that they both have properdin deficiency, meaning they must take daily antibiotics to reduce the risk of further infections. Despite this, they have remained physically active, enjoying hiking and running. Drew completed the London Marathon in 2025 to raise money for the Meningitis Research Foundation and to draw attention to the illness that nearly killed him and his brother.

The brothers are now planning to take on an Ironman challenge next year in support of meningitis charities, turning their experience into a platform for awareness. Saul stressed that many of the symptoms can be mistaken for ordinary tiredness or a hangover, when in reality the disease is far more serious. Drew added a simple but urgent warning: people must remain vigilant, because there is very little time when dealing with meningitis, and every hour counts when it comes to saving a life.

Their call for awareness comes amid heightened concern about meningitis B in the UK. Nearly 20,000 young people in Wales have been vaccinated through catch-up clinics following a deadly outbreak of the disease in Kent earlier this year. The Welsh catch-up programme reflects growing recognition that adolescents and young adults are among those most at risk, and that vaccination is the most effective protection available.

Meningitis is an infection of the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord, and it can develop with alarming speed. According to guidance from meningitis charities, symptoms can appear suddenly and in any order, and it is not necessary to experience all of them. Common warning signs include a rash that does not fade when pressed with a glass, a sudden high fever, a severe and worsening headache, a stiff neck, vomiting and diarrhoea, joint and muscle pain, and a dislike of bright lights.

Other indicators include very cold hands and feet, seizures, confusion or delirium, and extreme sleepiness or difficulty waking. Because these symptoms can be vague or easily attributed to other conditions, particularly in teenagers and young adults, cases are sometimes missed in the early stages. The Darlington brothers' experience illustrates how quickly a mild-seeming illness can escalate into a medical emergency.

Public health experts consistently advise that anyone who suspects meningitis should seek medical help immediately rather than waiting to see whether symptoms worsen. The disease can progress within hours, and early treatment with antibiotics can be the difference between recovery and tragedy. For families, knowing the signs, trusting their instincts, and acting without delay are the most important steps they can take.

For Saul and Drew, the story is one of survival against difficult odds, but also a reminder of how fragile that outcome was. They now use their experience to encourage others to learn the symptoms, to take vaccination seriously, and to seek help without hesitation. Their message is direct: meningitis does not wait, and neither should anyone who suspects it.