Lisa Snowdon Recalls ‘Blinding’ Headache That Was the Start of Meningitis: ‘And Then I Couldn’t Walk’

**Lisa Snowdon Opens Up About Her Battle with Viral Meningitis**

British model and television personality Lisa Snowdon has bravely recounted her traumatic experience with viral meningitis, which nearly cost her life. Speaking candidly of her ordeal on ITV’s *This Morning*, the 54-year-old shared how she initially dismissed her symptoms as mere exhaustion, not realising the severity of her condition until it was almost too late.

Snowdon described the onset of her health crisis in October 2010, revealing that what began as a “blinding” headache quickly devolved into a life-threatening situation. “It was dark. It was cold. I was feeling really run down. I remember this crippling headache that was just blinding. And I stupidly just kept battling on,” she recalled, reflecting on her mindset during that challenging time.

As someone who is self-employed, Snowdon admitted that her work commitments contributed to her reluctance to seek medical assistance. “I kept taking different painkillers to manage it,” she explained. However, the symptoms escalated, including high fever and a stiff neck, which eventually led to sleeping difficulties and constant coldness in her extremities.

Despite her debilitating symptoms, the television star continued to push through her responsibilities, working on a morning show where the bright studio lights began to overwhelm her senses. “It got to a point where I couldn’t walk. I basically just was absolutely broken and the next day I was in hospital,” she stated.

Upon her arrival, Snowdon faced uncertainty as doctors struggled to determine the cause of her illness. In a harrowing turn of events, the medical team informed her parents that she was critically ill. “They called my parents and said, ‘We don’t know what’s wrong with your daughter, but she’s very poorly and you need to come and say your goodbyes,’” she revealed, marking a chilling moment in her battle against the illness.

Snowdon now serves as the president of *Meningitis Now*, an organisation dedicated to preventing the disease through awareness and vaccinations. She emphasised the critical need for vaccinations against meningitis B, underscoring its potential severity. “It can kill you,” she warned, highlighting the importance of recognising the symptoms and seeking prompt medical attention.

While Snowdon has managed to recover, she disclosed that the illness left her with lingering complications. She was also diagnosed with glandular fever during her hospitalisation, which compounded her struggles. “I found it really hard to concentrate, and I still get very tired… I also get bad headaches as well,” she mentioned, illustrating the ongoing challenges she faces as a result of her experience.

Despite the hardships and “long-term effects” she continues to endure, Snowdon expressed gratitude for her recovery. “I was very lucky, of course… I walked out of that hospital,” she reflected, a testament to her resilience following such a serious health scare.

Snowdon’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the dangers associated with viral infections and the necessity for increased awareness about meningitis. Through her advocacy work, she hopes to educate others about the signs of the disease and encouraging timely vaccinations, ultimately aiming to save lives while sharing her personal experiences.