Meningitis warning ahead of Latitude Festival in Suffolk

Ollie Towler Jones, 18, died from bacterial meningitis at Latitude Festival, which takes place at Henham Park near Southwold, in 2014. 

The next edition of the festival is being held over this coming weekend.

Charity Meningitis Now is calling on teenagers to know the signs of the illness and that if someone is ill and becoming worse, they must seek urgent medical help.

A walkway is dedicated to Ollie Towler Jones at the festival (Image: Newsquest)

“Ollie loved Latitude and had attended it for the seven years before his death," said Mr Towler Jones' mother Jo.

"There was music and he was surrounded by friends and family, so he always had a great time and looked forward to going every year.  

“On the Friday of the festival in 2014 Ollie had a very late night and woke up Saturday morning feeling terrible, which he and all his friends put down to having a hangover.

Ollie Towler Jones died aged 18 (Image: Meningitis Now)

"Four hours later Ollie was purple and unable to breathe or feel his legs. His friends immediately went to get help and the paramedics took over."

His parents both arrived at the medical tent before Mr Towler Jones was transferred by helicopter to hospital in Norwich, where he died later that evening.

He is remembered at the festival with a pathway dedicated in his memory.

While meningitis can affect everyone, teenagers and young people are the second most at-risk group.

Mrs Towler Jones added: "The day that Ollie died changed our family’s lives forever. 

"He was our only child so ours and Ollie's future was taken away in a day. He was a beautiful boy with such a kind soul and would help anyone.

"He was just starting to explore and live his life and we miss him tremendously. 

“We urge parents to ensure their children are vaccinated. Meningitis is an evil disease that doesn’t discriminate and can get anyone at any time."