A nana feels lucky to still have her husband after he developed meningitis twice from an ear infection.
Sylvia Stoneham's husband Len first fought off the disease, following an ear infection, in 1995 when he was 38 years old. He spent one week in intensive care during four weeks in hospital and he also suffered a stroke.
Two years ago, in 2020, he got another ear infection which developed into sepsis and meningitis. The former long distance lorry driver was on a life support machine for six days and spent around 20 days in a hospital bed.
Read more: Geordies struggling to feed their children as stark reality of cost of living crisis laid bare
Sylvia, who lives with Len in Houghton-le-Spring, said: "Both times it was due to an ear infection. The first time he had an ear infection he went to work, came home and he wasn't very well. He went to bed and fell unconscious.
"The second time he had an ear infection we went to A&E. and they checked all his obs. He explained about the first time he had meningitis. He went home to bed and woke up at about four o'clock in the morning very confused so we knew he was very ill. He was diagnosed with sepsis in the the ambulance and when we got to hospital they said he had meningitis."
Sylvia said Len, who had none of the typical symptoms of meningitis, survived due to being pumped full of antibiotics by medical professionals. She said: "I think it's important for people to go with their gut instinct. You know when somebody isn't right."
Len has had five meningitis vaccines since the second time he beat the infection. Sylvia said he has had two further ear infections since then and she believes they have saved his life. She said: "He's been very lucky both times. I feel very lucky to still have him here."
Sylvia, who has three children and two grandchildren, works as a professional fundraiser and has raised more than £100,000 for charities.
She is organising a tour of Germany and its famous Christmas markets in November this year, to raise funds for Meningitis Now and The Fire Fighters Charity. It will be the 20th anniversary of coach trips to the Christmas markets organised by her.
She said: "I'm delighted to be supporting Meningitis Now because I know about the disease and the impact it can have on individuals and families. I first raised funds for Meningitis Now way back in 1995 with a coffee morning, raffling a PC (a massive prize back in the day!) and a music and family fun weekend, following Len's illness."
The Christmas Market trip includes:
- luxury travel aboard a Siesta Club Class Premier coach
- Return overnight ferry travel with cabins between Newcastle and Amsterdam
- Four nights dinner, bed and breakfast accommodation in the family-run Hotel Waldeck in the village of Burgen-Am-Mosel
- A wine tasting experience in a wine museum and a Rhine cruise, including the famous Lorelei Rock.
- Daily excursions to Christmas markets in Aachen (including the Lindt Chocolate Factory shop), Cologne, Ahrweiler, Rudesheim and Bernkastel-kues.
Sylvia said: "Anyone and everyone can join us if they can get to the ferry terminal in Newcastle. We can meet them there, or there are local pick-up points in the northeast, for example Middlesbrough, Bishop Auckland and Sunderland.
"If people can't make it they can still be part of the event by promoting it to their family and friends, or donating tombola or raffle prizes. We hold fundraising activities in the hotel every night – including Len's (in)famous quizzes.
"I’d like to thank Siesta International Holidays, who have supported the event for the last 19 years. I really couldn't do it without their help and support. And of course, everyone who joins us, both regulars and newbies; they are always so generous!"
The Christmas Market trip costs £499 for six nights/seven days and takes place between 24 and 30 November. To find out more and reserve places phone Sylvia on 07544 567161 or email Sylvia.stoneham@hotmail.co.uk
The trip visits:
Aachen: During Advent, the market squares and winding lanes around Aachen cathedral and Town Hall are turned into a magical Christmas village, with all the sights, sounds and aromas of Christmas! Sample the local speciality, Aachener Printen – a kind of gingerbread.
Cologne: This famous cathedral city boasts several Christmas markets – you can even ride on the mini train from one to another! These markets are all different in theme, with a fantastic selection of culinary delights, local crafts and beautiful gifts.
Ahrweiler: Beautiful architecture, a small market square with a cosy Christmas market and local shops feature in this lovely walled Roman city.
Rudesheim: The destination following a Rhine Cruise. Rudesheim’s main street is lined with market stalls, and the traditional market square where friends and family gather with visitors to sample the culinary delights offered. There’s also a cable-car, offering stunning views.
Bernkastel-Kues: A pretty medieval villages with a true chocolate-box backdrop to the cosy Christmas market in the market square. Look for the huge advent calendar on the windows of the half-timbered houses behind the market. Each day a window opens to reveal a poem or story.
Read more:
