'We mistook meningitis symptoms for freshers' flu'

Lucas Martin had just graduated from university in the summer of 2023 when he fell ill

The brother of a 21-year-old who died after contracting meningitis is calling for people of university age "not to dismiss their illness as freshers' flu".

Lucas Martin died on 12 September 2023 after feeling ill for about five days as a result of contracting the disease.

His brother, Connor Martin, said although Lucas had a bad headache and feverish symptoms, "ultimately we and him didn't think much of it, we just thought it was freshers' flu".

"Looking back, the only thing that could have changed things would have been that knowledge of meningitis," he said.

An infection of the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord, meningitis can affect anyone, but is most common in babies, children, teenagers and young adults, according to NHS England.

The symptoms include a high temperature or fever, being sick, a headache, stiff neck, dislike of bright lights, drowsiness or unresponsiveness, seizures or fits., and a rash that does not fade when a glass is rolled over it - although the rash will not always develop.

Connor Martin (left) said the family was ""incredibly proud" of his brother Lucas (centre)

Connor Martin said his brother did not have the "tell-tale signs of meningitis", as he did not have a rash or an aversion to light.

"It felt like a really bad virus he had, but none of us thought it could be meningitis," he said.

Lucas called his dad Brett Martin, who was off the island, on the evening of 10 September but was "struggling to string a sentence together and mumbling", leading to his uncle visiting the family's home to check on him, Mr Martin said.

He was rushed to hospital "in a delirious state" where he was sedated, Mr Martin said, adding: "Essentially that was it, he never woke up again."

Urging others not to ignore potential symptoms of the condition, he said: "If you get sick at university age, don't just dismiss it as freshers' flu and consider it could be something more serious."

Affectionately nicknamed Looky, he has been described by his family as a "force of nature"

Affectionately known as Looky, in the aftermath of his death Lucas's family set up a charity in his name to support children from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Mr Martin said while they were "incredibly proud of his short life" losing Lucas had left the family "completely shell shocked".

"We wish we could bring him back, but the only thing we can do is share his story and have his name do some good in this world," he said.

For the first time on the island, landmark buildings - including the Tower of Refuge, Ramsey Swing Bridge, and the Legislative Buildings - will be illuminated later in Lucas' memory to mark world meningitis day.

Public Health Isle of Man recently advised university students to get to know the symptoms of meningitis, urging those with symptoms not to "just assume it is a hangover or freshers' flu".

Anyone unsure about their symptoms should call 111 or the GP, it added.

"Freshers' flu" is not necessarily influenza but rather the nickname of a mix of colds other illnesses often picked up by those attending university after mixing with large groups of other students for the first time.