Amputee who almost died issues warning to freshers

Students are being urged to get vaccinated and learn about meningitis after Ketia Moponda's experience

A student almost died when she became severely ill just days after arriving at university.

Ketia Moponda, from Wolverhampton, was diagnosed with meningococcal septicaemia and underwent amputations to her fingers and legs in September 2024, one week after arriving at De Montfort University in Leicester.

According to the NHS, meningococcal septicaemia causes bacterial meningitis, which is the inflammation of the lining surrounding the brain.

The 19-year-old is now sharing her story to warn freshers to register with a GP, as well as to inspire by showing disability "does not limit ambition, beauty, or confidence".

Ms Moponda arrived at university eight days before she was struck down with what she initially believed to be freshers' flu.

She has no memory of the 27 hours before she was found by a fellow student and rushed to Leicester Royal Infirmary.

"As soon as they opened the door, they had to call the emergency services because it was described as looking like foul play," she explained.

"There was blood and vomit everywhere. Just signs of a struggle. My body was failing."

Ketia Moponda was diagnosed with meningococcal septicaemia

The teenager went into a coma before waking up, defying the odds of doctors who believed she would die.

Her blood poisoning forced medics to remove her lower legs and parts of her fingers. She spent five months recovering at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham.

Meningococcal septicaemia is less common than viral meningitis but more serious, requiring urgent treatment with antibiotics.

The 19-year-old underwent amputations to her fingers and legs

Ms Moponda urged students heading to university this month to register with a GP in the city they were studying.

Ms Moponda had received her MenB vaccination in secondary school but still fell ill.

"Don't mistake everything for a common cold," she added.

"I made that mistake and went to sleep. It could have been fatal."

Ms Moponda thought she had freshers' flu

Now a TikTok campaigner, Ms Moponda wants to inspire others with her story and be visible as a young, black, female amputee.

"It's rare that you see an amputee just out there in front of your face," she said.

"Even though seeing an amputee is not normal, I want it to be a norm."

Students setting off for university are urged to get vaccinated and learn about meningitis.

Some institutions provide welcome packs, including cards with details of the symptoms, which can include a high temperature, feeling sick or a headache.

The NHS webiste says people should call an ambulance or go to A&E if they think they could have meningitis.

"Trust your instincts and do not wait for all the symptoms to appear or until a rash develops," it reads.

"Someone with meningitis can get a lot worse very quickly."