Television presenter and This Morning regular Lisa Snowdon has shared a harrowing account of her near-fatal battle with viral meningitis, revealing doctors once advised her parents to say their final goodbyes.
A Terrifying Diagnosis After Ignoring Symptoms
The 53-year-old broadcaster contracted the serious illness in November 2010. At the time, she was co-hosting the Capital Breakfast show and pushing through a punishing schedule of early starts and long days.
In a candid Instagram post, Snowdon confessed she ignored her body's warning signs for almost a month. She dismissed crushing headaches, fever, and a stiff neck as mere end-of-year exhaustion. "No amount of painkillers touched the pain," she recalled. The crisis point came when she switched on the Bond Street Christmas lights while on the verge of collapse.
The Harrowing Hospital Ordeal
Hours later, she was in hospital with doctors struggling to identify the cause of her rapid decline. "My parents were called and told that I was incredibly sick and they should say their goodbyes," Snowdon revealed. "It was a very scary time."
After extensive tests and scans, she was diagnosed with viral meningitis. The TV personality spent 10 days in hospital receiving treatment, describing herself as "very poorly" during the ordeal.
Lasting Effects and a Mission to Raise Awareness
Snowdon admits she is still "not quite the same" over a decade later. She continues to struggle with headaches, fatigue, and memory issues following the illness.
Considering herself "one of the lucky ones," she is now dedicated to raising awareness about the disease that claims lives and leaves survivors with life-limiting conditions. Lisa Snowdon is the President of the charity Meningitis Now.
She is planning a Sahara desert trek with her partner, George Smart, to raise vital funds for the cause. Snowdon emphasised that meningitis "doesn't discriminate" and can strike anyone regardless of age or perceived health.
Her powerful message to the public is clear: "Know the signs. Trust your instincts. Don't do what I did and push through. Your health is worth more than any deadline." She advocates for greater access to the Men B vaccine and boosters, particularly for young people, the elderly, and vulnerable groups.
