Aaron Mills, an 18-year-old Liverpool John Moores University student and devoted Liverpool FC fan, died on January 3 after contracting Meningococcal group B (MenB) meningitis. He had complained of a headache to his mother just five days earlier, on December 29, after returning home to Kidderminster for the Christmas break.
Sudden onset and seizure
Aaron had been enjoying his first term at university, living at Byrom Point student halls in Liverpool city centre, and pursuing a degree in football science with dreams of joining Liverpool FC's coaching staff. He returned home in December and surprised his father Anthony at his 50th birthday party. The next day, December 29, Aaron felt groggy but spent time with family watching a film. The following morning, he told his mother he had a headache, took paracetamol, and went back to bed. Half an hour later, his father found him having a seizure.
Anthony recalled: "I knew what it was, so I didn't hesitate. We rang the ambulance. Him having the seizure, that was within half an hour of speaking to his mum. There were no warning signs that something was serious. We didn't stand a chance. It went from a headache to a seizure, and he never recovered from that seizure."
Meningitis diagnosis and death
Aaron was rushed to hospital on December 30, where doctors diagnosed him with meningococcal group B (MenB) meningitis. His condition rapidly deteriorated, and he passed away on January 3. According to the UK Health Security Agency, MenB bacteria can cause severe, life-threatening meningitis and septicemia. Mixing with many new people in communal living environments like university accommodation increases the risk of transmission.
A shining light remembered
Anthony described his son as a "shining light" who "always made people welcome." He said: "He had this soft, gentle way about him and he made everybody feel warm and welcome. He was just a kind and generous person. He was my best friend. My dancing buddy, my singing buddy, my football buddy. Liverpool Football Club, he was just crazy about it. It was his religion."
Aaron was a gifted player, coach, and referee. He held a season ticket at Kidderminster Harriers, his local club, which paid tribute with a standing ovation in the 18th minute and gifted a signed jersey with "AARON 18" on the back. Approximately 300 people attended his funeral, all wearing Liverpool shirts in his honor. The family also consented to organ donation.
Vaccination gap and campaign
After Aaron's death, his parents discovered he had received the MenACWY vaccine routinely offered in schools but not the MenB vaccine, which is not systematically given to young people. Following a meningitis outbreak in Kent earlier this year, Anthony began writing to MPs and met with Sharon Hodgson, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Department for Health and Social Care. The government has agreed to provide the MenB vaccine this summer for Year 13 students and under-25s starting university or moving into residential further education settings in autumn.
Charity run in his memory
Family friend Shaun McEntee is organizing a 100-mile charity run from Aggborough Stadium in Kidderminster to Anfield, spanning five days from September 16 to 20. Shaun will run the entire distance, with friends and family joining for parts. The final leg will pass Byrom Point, where LJMU staff and students will join, ending at the Shankly Gates at Anfield. Anthony said: "There isn't a more fitting challenge. He had a season ticket at Kidderminster Harriers, he used to go there with his mates. And of course, Liverpool was his religion. He was living in Liverpool for the last part of his life and that's where all his hopes and dreams were."
Anthony is seeking support from LJMU and Liverpool FC. The local mayor and MP are expected to attend the send-off in Kidderminster. A fundraising page has been set up in Aaron's memory.
