It happened two years ago now, it was just like any other day.
I went for my morning run but then around lunch time I started feeling really ill.
As the day went on, bruises started appearing on my back.
I had trouble standing up, so I was rushed to hospital.
It turned out to be meningococcal disease.
I was in a coma on life support for ten days. I spent another 186 days in hospital after that.
I lost my right leg, left foot, and I’ve only got two functioning fingers.
I also had complete organ failure with my kidneys.
I contracted meningococcal W, a strain of the disease I didn’t know I could be vaccinated against.
It’s been tough for mum and dad too. They obviously feel strongly about young people being vaccinated after seeing what I went through.
And it’s the only way to protect your kids.
I still have my moments, but I’m trying to get my life back on track.
I’m living on the coast, going through rehab, and I’m slowly getting back into being a barber.
To parents I would say, don’t think it can’t happen to your kids.
To help protect your child, sign and return the consent form so they can receive their free meningococcal ACWY vaccine. It could save their life.
Meningococcal disease changed Seb’s life forever – but it doesn’t have to change yours.
Meningococcal disease is rare but very serious and can quickly become life-threatening. Older teenagers and young adults are most likely to carry the bacteria and spread it to others. The meningococcal ACWY vaccine is free for year 10 students across Australia. Adolescents who missed the vaccine are eligible for the free vaccine up to 19 years of age. To help protect your child, sign and return the consent form so they can receive their vaccine – it could save their life.