An 18-year-old student died just five days after telling his mother he had a headache, having contracted meningococcal group B (MenB) meningitis. Aaron Mills, described by his family as a 'shining light', had recently completed his first term studying football science at Liverpool John Moores University and dreamed of working for Liverpool FC.
Rapid Deterioration
Aaron returned to his family home in Kidderminster for Christmas. After celebrating his father Anthony's 50th birthday on December 28, he felt 'groggy' the next day. On the morning of December 30, he told his mother Deniz he had a headache, took paracetamol, and went back to bed. Within half an hour, he woke his father because he was moaning and then suffered a seizure.
His father Anthony said: '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.'
Aaron was taken to hospital on December 30, where doctors identified MenB meningitis. His health rapidly worsened, and he died on January 3.
Vaccination Gap
While Aaron had received the MenACWY vaccine routinely offered in schools, he had not been given the MenB vaccine, which is not standard for young people. The UK Health Security Agency notes that living in communal accommodation like university halls increases the risk of meningococcal disease transmission.
Following cases in Kent earlier this year, Aaron's father Anthony began corresponding with MPs and secured a meeting with Sharon Hodgson, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Department for Health and Social Care. The government subsequently agreed to offer the MenB vaccine this summer to Year 13 pupils and under-25s starting university or moving into residential further education for the first time this autumn.
Charity Run to Honor Aaron
Friends and family are organizing a 100-mile charity run over five days in September, starting from Aggborough Stadium in Kidderminster on September 16 at 9am and finishing at Anfield on September 20. Close family friend Shaun McEntee will run the entire route, while others will join for sections. Staff and students from LJMU will run from Byrom Point to Anfield, where more friends and family will wait at the Shankly Gates.
Anthony said: 'Shaun is the son-in-law to Aaron's godfather. He was up there in hospital to support us. It affected Shaun because he knows what Aaron was. He's got two young kids and he told me that he wants his kids to be just like Aaron. He approached me with this challenge. There isn't a more fitting challenge.'
Anthony is seeking official support from LJMU and Liverpool FC. He added: 'The local mayor is going to be there, our MP's going to be there. There's going to be a big send-off for him from this end. We're just trying to put the feelers out to Liverpool Football Club to try and give him a big welcome.'
Aaron's family consented to organ donation. Approximately 300 mourners attended his funeral, each wearing a Liverpool top. Kidderminster Harriers, where Aaron held a season ticket, honored him with a standing ovation in the 18th minute and presented a signed shirt reading 'AARON 18'.
Anthony described his son: '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.'
