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.
Scarborough’s Alpamare waterpark set to be sold with 99-year car park lease
Starbeck primary unveils new school library
Fountains by Floodlight returns with new show celebrating abbey’s history
Date confirmed for return of Yorkshire Farming Conference in Harrogate
Ripon Runners to host community night run to highlight women's safety
Martin House opens new memorial garden for bereaved families
Harrogate businesses open toilets to public under new council scheme
Mayor joins India trade mission as leaders target £170m boost for Yorkshire
Swan Lake to bring live orchestra and ballet to Harrogate's Royal Hall
How Harrogate's Dragons' Den businesses have fared since the show
New Brazilian-Japanese restaurant to open in Harrogate
North Yorkshire Police loses almost 250,000 hours to sickness amid absence concerns
Harrogate domestic abuse charity launches match-funded appeal
Harrogate MP calls for independent support in army abuse investigation
Scamp & Dude to open Harrogate store tomorrow
Tributes paid to Starbeck postmaster and community champion
New pizza and kebab takeaway to open in Harrogate
Harrogate teenager signs first professional contract with Leeds United
Ripon Library to host free family theatre show this half-term
Ripon artist's global draw-along raises £21,000 for animal rescue charity
