Two Brothers Who Contracted Meningitis Within a Year Urge Young People to Learn the Warning Signs

Two brothers from Wrexham who fell ill with meningitis just twelve months apart have spoken of their belief that they are fortunate to have survived, and are now campaigning to make sure others recognise the symptoms before it is too late.

Saul and Drew Darlington, aged 29 and 26, were teenagers when they contracted the infection, and at first the family assumed it was simply an unusual coincidence. It was only later that tests revealed both brothers carry properdin deficiency, a rare immunodeficiency that leaves those affected more vulnerable to certain infections, including meningitis.

Saul was 17 when he first became unwell during a school trip. He recalled feeling cold and finding light uncomfortable, warning signs that are frequently dismissed as the beginnings of a common cold or flu. When a purple rash appeared on his skin, his family made the decision to take him to A&E without delay.

Reflecting on how quickly his condition deteriorated, Saul said that had he been allowed to sleep through the night without treatment, he believes he would probably have died. He described the experience as frightening and strange, particularly because he was so young at the time, and remembered the fear in his mother's face when she first used the word meningitis.

He spent a week in hospital before recovering. Almost exactly a year later, his younger brother Drew, then 16 and studying for his GCSEs, began to feel unwell with a high temperature but no other obvious symptoms. His condition worsened rapidly after a visit to his GP.

Drew explained that when he left home there was no rash anywhere on his body, but by the time the doctor examined him, a widespread rash had broken out across his chest and abdomen. Purple spots had also appeared on the roof of his mouth, a less familiar sign that can accompany the illness.

The doctor's swift response proved decisive. An ambulance was called immediately, and Drew was admitted to the children's ward at Wrexham Maelor hospital, where he remained for two weeks. He described the first 48 hours as touch and go, and although he eventually began to recover, he lost a significant amount of weight and it took months before he felt fully well again.

Drew said he remains deeply grateful that the GP recognised the rash and called an ambulance straight away, crediting those rapid decisions with potentially saving both brothers' lives. Saul admitted that, at the time, he found it odd that they had both contracted such a serious illness, questioning what the odds of that could possibly be.

The brothers have since recovered, but they now take daily antibiotics to manage their condition. Properdin deficiency affects the immune system's ability to fight off certain bacterial infections, which explains why both siblings were susceptible to meningitis despite the illness not being contagious in the way many people assume.

Despite their ordeal, the pair have remained active and determined. They enjoy hiking and running, and Drew completed the London Marathon in 2025 to raise money for the Meningitis Research Foundation while helping to spread awareness of the disease. Next year, the brothers are planning to take on an Ironman challenge in support of meningitis charities.

Their message is aimed particularly at young people, who often mistake the early stages of meningitis for tiredness or the after-effects of a night out. Saul warned that many of the symptoms can present as nothing more than fatigue or a hangover, when in reality the illness is far more serious.

Drew added that vigilance is essential, stressing that meningitis leaves very little time for delay and that every hour matters when it comes to saving a life. Their call for awareness comes amid heightened concern about the disease in Wales, where nearly 20,000 young people have received vaccinations through catch-up clinics.

That vaccination drive followed a deadly outbreak of meningitis B in Kent earlier this year. Health officials have been working to ensure that teenagers and young adults, who are among the groups most at risk, are protected against strains of the infection that can progress with alarming speed.

According to information drawn from the NHS and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the symptoms of meningitis can appear suddenly and in any order, and those affected do not always experience every sign. Common indicators include a rash that does not fade when pressed against a glass, a sudden high fever, a severe and worsening headache, and a stiff neck.

Other symptoms can include vomiting and diarrhoea, joint and muscle pain, a dislike of bright lights, very cold hands and feet, seizures, confusion or delirium, and extreme sleepiness or difficulty waking. Recognising these signs and acting on them quickly is precisely the lesson the Darlington brothers hope others will take from their experience.

Meningitis is an infection of the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord, and it can develop within hours, making early medical intervention critical. While many people recover fully with prompt treatment, delays can lead to serious complications or death, which is why awareness campaigns emphasise that time is of the essence.

For Saul and Drew, the past decade has been shaped by their encounters with the illness, from the fear of their teenage hospital admissions to the lifelong management of their immunodeficiency. Their story serves as both a warning and a reassurance: that swift action and informed families can make the difference between life and death.