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Harrogate boy left deaf by meningitis to feature in BBC appeal

Friday, 2 October 2026 11:56

Five-year-old Arthur lost his hearing after contracting meningitis.

A five-year-old boy from Harrogate who lost his hearing after contracting meningitis will feature in a BBC Lifeline appeal this Sunday (4th October).

Arthur and his mum Alex will share their story as part of an appeal for national charity Meningitis Now, which has helped fund specialist therapy to support his communication.

Arthur was just 22 months old when he contracted bacterial meningitis in 2022, leaving him with profound hearing loss in both ears.

He had been starting to talk and could say a few words, including “mumma” and “bye bye”.

In 2023, Arthur underwent surgery to receive cochlear implants. He has since been receiving specialist auditory verbal therapy to help develop his listening and spoken language skills.

The cost of the sessions was a challenge for the family, but grants from Meningitis Now’s Rebuilding Futures Fund have helped Arthur access the support.

The therapy has helped him develop spoken language, participate more fully in mainstream school and build friendships.

Alex said the sessions would not have been possible for the family without the grants. She said:

“As a parent of a child who has survived meningitis, I'm so grateful for the Rebuilding Futures Fund.

"He still has a way to go before his spoken language is age equivalent, but he is making progress.”

The appeal will air on BBC One at 12:35pm on Sunday, presented by broadcaster and Meningitis Now celebrity ambassador Seema Jaswal, who experienced meningitis as a teenager.

Seema said:

“Having had meningitis myself as a teenager, Meningitis Now is a cause very close to my heart.

"Please join me – watch, share and donate so Meningitis Now can be there for people affected by meningitis when they need it most.”

The programme will be repeated on BBC Two on Tuesday 6th October at 1:05am and Friday 9th October at 12:50pm.

It will also be available on BBC iPlayer.

The charity’s corporate partner, Carter Ruck, will match donations to the appeal pound for pound, up to £2,500.

Money raised will help Meningitis Now continue supporting people affected by meningitis across the UK.

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