Kent Mum’s Horror as Daughter Rushed to Hospital After Seizure from Meningitis
A Kent mum has described the last 48 hours as “horrendous” after her 21-year-old daughter was rushed to hospital following a terrifying seizure triggered by meningitis.
Khali Goodwin was woken on Sunday by urgent voicemails from William Harvey Hospital in Ashford. Her daughter Keeleigh had been found unconscious in her Canterbury flat and admitted immediately.
“She Had a Seizure and Fell” – Mum’s Heart-Stopping Account
Khali, a 39-year-old mother of six, revealed: “Keeleigh called me complaining of a headache and sickness. I thought it was Covid.”
She continued, “Then I woke up to messages from the hospital. Keeleigh got up, went to the bathroom, had a seizure and fell. Luckily, her housemate found her and called an ambulance. I’m so grateful — she literally saved her life.”
Khali assumed Keeleigh was fully vaccinated and never suspected bacterial meningitis. “Seeing her like this over the past two days has been absolutely awful.”
Keeleigh’s Life Turned Upside Down
The full-time McDonald’s worker had visited Club Chemistry nightclub in Canterbury last Thursday — now closed for the week amid the meningitis outbreak. The club admitted some attendees “could have been affected,” but the outbreak’s source is still unknown.
Keeleigh faces at least a week in hospital. “I visited her yesterday wearing a mask,” Khali said. “I have small kids to protect, so I have to be careful.”
Keeleigh is “petrified,” her mum revealed. “She says she doesn’t want to go out at all now. This will completely change her life.”
Meningitis Outbreak Hits Kent Hard
The deadly outbreak has already claimed two lives — including Juliette, a Year 13 pupil at Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School, and a University of Kent student.
Eleven others remain seriously ill, some in induced comas.
Trish Mannes, UK Health Security Agency’s Deputy Director for the South East, reassured the public that close contacts have been given antibiotics and support is in place. She urged everyone to watch for these symptoms:
- High fever
- Vomiting
- Severe headache
- Rash that doesn’t fade under pressure
- Stiff neck
- Sensitivity to light
- Drowsiness or unresponsiveness
- Seizures (fits)
Hundreds of students queued for antibiotics after the outbreak. UKHSA and the University of Kent have informed 16,000 students about symptoms and where to seek help. Only close contacts will receive antibiotics.
Community in Mourning After Tragic Deaths
School headteacher Amelia McIlroy paid tribute to Juliette: “She was incredibly kind, thoughtful and intelligent. Her positivity and sense of fun will be hugely missed. Our thoughts are with her family and friends during this heartbreaking time.”
The meningitis crisis in Kent continues, with health officials on high alert. Anyone with symptoms should call 111 immediately.
