A man described as previously being "fit and healthy" has died after contracting meningitis . Painter and decorator Gareth Rowlands began complaining about an ear ache days before having to be hospitalised fighting for his life.
Doctors discovered the 50-year-old from Rhiwlas, Gwynedd, had suffered brain damage as a result of an infection which "wasn't compatible with life". His step-daughter, Linzi Whitmore, said he died on Saturday, February 4, at Ysbyty Gwynedd after he was brought out of the coma.
Raising money to pay for Mr Rowlands' funeral, Linzi said: "Gareth was a fit and healthy young man until meningitis left him so brain damaged, he wasn't compatible with life."
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She said he turned 50 on January 19 just three days after he first fell ill and while he was still in the coma in hospital. No-one had any idea of the scale of what was about to unfold. "Gareth complained of an ear ache on the Saturday, (January 16) headache on the Sunday and very early on the Monday morning, my mum found him literally fighting for his life, his brain being starved of oxygen.
"Gareth was put in an induced coma and kept sedated, he was cared for brilliantly by the staff at the intensive care, Cybi ward. Unfortunately an MRI scan confirmed that the majority of Gareth's brain had been tragically damaged with very little chance of survival.
"Gareth was brought out of the coma, taken off the sedation and ventilation and tragically passed away at Ysbyty Gwynedd on February 4 2023.
"I am kindly asking if people would like to donate towards Gareth's funeral so we can give him the best send off possible. Diolch o galon, Linzi."
Gareth leaves behind Angie, his partner of 29 years, and his three step-children: Linzi, Jamie, and Sam. You can donate to the fundraiser here.
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