Tim was just 21 when MenW (meningitis) took his life. In less than 24 hours, Tim went from being a happy, healthy young man to extremely ill and tragically dying after contracting meningitis.

Tim's family are urgently asking young people to check that they have received their meningitis vaccine and if not, to make an appointment with their GP. Vaccines remain our best defence against these potentially fatal diseases. If you’re aged 18-25 you may be eligible for the MenACWY vaccine.

Meningitis can affect anyone, but students and young adults are at higher risk. Speak to your GP about the free MenACWY vaccine and learn the symptoms. It can resemble the flu or a hangover and so is often ignored until it’s too late. For more info visit http://meningitisnow.org/students

Meningitis is a life-threatening disease that can affect anyone, but young people and students are at particularly high risk. A free MenACWY vaccine is available to first year students up to the age of 25 through their GP. This vaccine and knowing the symptoms of meningitis is the best protection against this devastating disease, which can resemble the flu or a hangover and so is often ignored until it’s too late.
The symptoms can include fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, muscle pain, stomach cramps and fever with cold hands and feet. Other symptoms include drowsiness, pale, blotchy skin, dislike of bright lights and a rash that doesn’t fade under pressure.

This video was funded by the National Lottery Community Fund.