Yesterday we were left truly shaken by the jarring image of two-year-old Faye Burdett, who lost her life last weekend to meningitis; now, a familiar face has added his voice to the campaign to provide Meningitis B vaccinations to all children.
Former England rugby star Matt Dawson, who may also be familiar to you from A Question of Sport and Strictly Come Dancing, has given a frightening insight into his “two weeks of hell” as his toddler son battled meningitis.
The 43-year-old took to Twitter yesterday to discuss little Sami’s journey back to health, after receiving treatment for the condition at London’s Great Ormond Street Hospital.
Matt, who is also father to son Alex, wrote: “Been umming and ahhhing about whether I should write the next post but my wife and I have agreed it's important. The pic may be upsetting!!”
He went on to describe the ‘hell’ he, wife Carolin and precious son Sami have experienced as the tot fought meningitis. A photo montage shows the extent of damage the illness did to Sami’s body, with the tot pictured covered in a rash and hooked up to machines.
Thankfully, Sami has now recovered, but Matt and his family want to use their experience to encourage others to be vigilant and sign a petition for the British Government to introduce Meningitis B vaccinations for all children.
The 2 weeks of hell we've just had cos of Meningitis. Sami lucky due to amazing people @GreatOrmondSt #vaccinateNOW pic.twitter.com/JMJ4X2h8r2
— Matt Dawson (@matt9dawson) February 17, 2016
“We’re overwhelmed by all the messages for Sami. I ask one favour: please read and sign so fewer kids suffer,” wrote Matt, sharing a link to the petition.
Well done to Matt and his family for making a difference with their story. We are so glad to hear that Sami is on the mend.
