Kent Student's Meningitis Nightmare Leaves Her Immobilised and Blind
A second-year law student at the University of Kent has revealed the terrifying ordeal of being left unable to see, move or speak after contracting meningitis B. Annabelle Mackay, 21, fell critically ill following celebrations for her birthday at a nightclub in Canterbury, which is now at the centre of a deadly outbreak.
Birthday Celebration Turns to Medical Emergency
Annabelle had been partying at Club Chemistry in Canterbury on March 4 until the early hours of March 5. Just days later, on March 10, she began experiencing symptoms including neck stiffness, light sensitivity, and a high fever. Despite calling the NHS 111 helpline on March 11 and undergoing a 16-minute assessment, she was advised to stay home and drink water.
"I was like, 'Are you sure?' But she told me to stay put," Annabelle recalled about the phone consultation. "I called Mum and she knew straightaway something was very wrong with me."
Rapid Deterioration and Life-Saving Intervention
Less than thirty minutes after the 111 call, Annabelle's mother, Laura May, 57, spoke to her daughter's housemates by phone and urgently begged them to seek medical help. By this time, Annabelle's condition had deteriorated severely.
"My body had started to shut down by the time they carried me out of our door half an hour later," Annabelle stated. "I'd be dead if it wasn't for my mum and housemates. I am so grateful for how quickly they acted and for not taking advice from the NHS 111 helpline."
Diagnosis and Outbreak Context
Doctors at hospital confirmed Annabelle had meningitis B, the same strain responsible for the recent outbreak across Canterbury. She is one of fifteen people affected, including two who have died—one of them a University of Kent student—and a nine-month-old baby girl currently fighting for her life in intensive care.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is now tracing everyone who visited Club Chemistry on March 5, 6, or 7 to administer antibiotics as a precaution. A staff member at the nightclub has also received treatment for meningitis, according to the business owner.
Campus Response and Ongoing Recovery
Students at the University of Kent have been receiving antibiotics amid the outbreak, with locals describing the campus as "like a ghost town" on Tuesday. Annabelle, who shared that she might have contracted the illness at another club called Venue where she shared drinks, is now in recovery.
Her sight began to return after two days, though she awaits further medical assessments. The UKHSA contacted her on March 13 to trace her contacts, adding to the confusion as she questions why the agency reported no cases on March 14.
Community Impact and Warnings
Louise Jones-Roberts, owner of Club Chemistry, expressed devastation: "I'm devastated for the families affected. It's so incredibly sad. I just really hope people know the symptoms and no more lives are lost."
This incident underscores the critical importance of recognising meningitis symptoms—such as fever, neck stiffness, and light sensitivity—and seeking immediate medical attention, even when telephone advice suggests otherwise.
