A STAR on This Morning has shared her terrifying brush with death, revealing her parents were told to say their goodbyes.
The TV presenter and DJ, 53, revealed that no amount of painkillers touched the pain she was experiencing.
This Morning‘s Lisa Snowden took to Instagram and revealed how meningitis has affected her, she said: “I ignored my body and the signs it was giving me for almost a month.
“It was November 2010 – I was co-hosting the Capital Breakfast show daily, early starts and long days, running from event to event, convincing myself that the crushing headaches, the fever, the stiff neck were just end-of-year exhaustion.
“No amount of painkillers touched the pain. When I switched on the Bond Street Christmas lights, I was on the verge of collapse.
“Hours later I was in hospital the doctors not knowing what was wrong with me.
“My parents were called and told that I was incredibly sick and they should say their goodbyes.
“It was a very scary time. After endless tests and scans it was determined that I had Viral Meningitis- I was very poorly and in hospital for 10 days.
“Even now, over a decade on, I know I’m not quite the same – I struggle with headaches, fatigue and my memory isn’t as sharp as it was.”
Lisa became an Ambassador for @meningitis_now in 2011 and has worked with them to help raise their profile as well as funds so they can help to support families who have been affected by the disease and who have lost loved ones.
She continued: “I was one of the lucky ones, so many people lose their lives to this disease and those who survive live with life limiting conditions.
“I’m proud to now be President of Meningitis Now and will never stop talking about meningitis, the signs the symptoms and to fight to have more money.
“To ensure young people, the elderly and anyone who is vulnerable has access to the Men B vaccine or a booster.
“Meningitis doesn’t discriminate doesn’t care how busy you are, how old you are, or how healthy you think you are.
“It can strike anyone, at any age. Know the signs. Trust your instincts.
“Don’t do what I did and push through. Your health is worth more than any deadline.
The Symptoms of Meningitis
According to the NHS – Meningitis is an infection of the protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord (meninges). It can affect anyone, but is most common in babies, young children, teenagers and young adults.
Meningitis can be very serious if not treated quickly. It can cause life-threatening sepsis and result in permanent damage to the brain or nerves. A number of vaccinations are available that offer some protection against meningitis.
Symptoms of meningitis develop suddenly and can include:
- a high temperature (fever)
- being sick
- a headache
- a rash that does not fade when a glass is rolled over it (but a rash will not always develop)
- a stiff neck
- a dislike of bright lights
- drowsiness or unresponsiveness
- seizures (fits)
- These symptoms can appear in any order. You do not always get all the symptoms.
When to get medical help
Call 999 for an ambulance or go to your nearest A&E immediately if you think you or someone you look after could have meningitis or sepsis.
Trust your instincts and do not wait for all the symptoms to appear or until a rash develops. Someone with meningitis or sepsis can get a lot worse very quickly.
Call NHS 111 for advice if you’re not sure if it’s anything serious or you think you may have been exposed to someone with meningitis.
If you’ve had medical advice and are still worried or any symptoms get worse, get medical help again.
To celebrate Meningitis Now’s 40 incredible years of life-saving research and support for those affected by meningitis, Lisa and her fiancé George Smart will be trekking the Sahara in March 2026.
“They’ll be taking to the dunes and ancient riverbeds of one of the largest, and most beautiful deserts in the world, in temperatures up to 35oC.
Lisa said: “The trek isn’t for the faint of heart, and every penny you donate will help support the work of Meningitis Now in the UK. Please help and donate what you can- thank you.”
