Welsh Teacher ‘Thought She Was Going to Die’ as She Shares Symptoms After Horrific Ordeal

A Welsh secondary school teacher has spoken out about the terrifying moment she believed she was going to die after what she thought was a simple headache turned out to be bacterial meningitis.

Olivia Griffiths, originally from Bangor and now living in Sheffield, said her symptoms escalated so quickly in 2022 that her family were told to “prepare for the worst”. She was just 27 at the time.

What began as intense head and neck pain rapidly became a life‑threatening emergency. Within 24 hours, Olivia was rushed to intensive care, where doctors confirmed bacterial meningitis through a lumbar puncture — an experience she described as “the most horrific” of her life.

“My body couldn’t work properly – I thought I was going to die,” she said. “My family came up from North Wales and were told it could go either way.”

A second diagnosis two years later

After spending weeks in hospital and being left with long‑term complications including severe hearing loss, chronic migraines, fibromyalgia/ME and post‑meningitis syndrome, Olivia spent nearly two years rebuilding her life.

But in September 2024, the nightmare returned.

She experienced the exact same symptoms and immediately feared the illness had come back. Despite initially being told meningitis “doesn’t reoccur”, she deteriorated and was admitted to hospital — where tests confirmed a second strain of bacterial meningitis.

The lumbar puncture failed three times. “My partner said all he could hear was screams,” she said.

‘I was told I wouldn’t be the same ever again’

The second diagnosis devastated Olivia’s life. She was forced to give up her teaching career and was left battling PTSD, anxiety, depression and chronic pain.

“I felt like my life was over because I was practically told it would be,” she said. “My career was taken, my hearing was taken, I felt I had no purpose.”

Turning point: ‘The best thing that ever happened to me’

Refusing to give up, Olivia began researching ways to support her recovery. She overhauled her diet, cut out processed foods, prioritised exercise and eventually took up pilates — a change she says transformed her life.

“I haven’t taken a single medication in over a year,” she said. “I’m busier than ever but feel in control of my life now. Meningitis was, weirdly, the best thing that ever happened to me.”

She has since launched her own pilates and nutrition coaching business and is preparing to run the London Marathon in 2026 to raise money for the Meningitis Research Foundation.

Her message: know the symptoms and act fast

With the UK currently experiencing a meningitis outbreak, Olivia is urging people to take symptoms seriously and seek help immediately.

“You know your body — if something doesn’t feel right, don’t wait,” she said.

NHS meningitis symptoms to watch for

The NHS says symptoms can appear suddenly and may include:

- A rash that doesn’t fade under a glass  

- Severe headache  

- Stiff neck  

- Dislike of bright lights  

- Drowsiness or unresponsiveness  

- Seizures  

- High temperature  

- Vomiting  

Meningitis can be caused by viral or bacterial infections, with bacterial meningitis being rarer but far more serious. It can spread through close contact, including kissing or sharing drinks and vapes.

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