Dude, where's my hair?

Blair was an energetic, caring and empathetic 14-year-old boy who was loved by his family, friends, and peers. He was cheeky, humorous and had a knack for creating inappropriate memes, just like any other teenager. Unfortunately, on 9th March 2018 Meningococcal Disease would suddenly and tragically end this beautiful young man’s life.

Blair’s Soccer Scholarship - was created to assist a fellow student of New Plymouth Boys High School to attend the NPBHS UK/Spain 2020 Football Tour. A student who (like Blair) is a talented and passionate footballer, a team player who takes a positive attitude both on and off the field, gives 100% at training and game days, is respected by peers; coaches and teachers alike. However due to factors beyond their control cannot attend this once in a lifetime experience.

Blair’s descent from the rare (and fatal) strand C was rapid. What seemed like nothing more than flu symptoms would poison his body in just a few short hours. His athletic nature and high level of fitness provided almost the perfect “machine” to transport the bacteria around his body. Despite being vaccinated as a baby, the vaccination only provided protection for (the more prevalent strand at the time) strand B. Strand C and many other strands were not included, and the vaccination only lasts a few years before it wears off. This knowledge gained from medical personnel was shocking for Blair’s family to learn, but from this tragedy they want others to be educated about some of the misunderstandings about Meningitis.

The medical jargon surrounding Meningitis can be overwhelming and not all cases can present themselves in the same way. Some of the more obvious signs we are taught to look out for can be some of the late signs of the disease. In some cases, too late to do anything to help. The early stages of the disease can look very much like the cold or flu, for which we all commonly know is helped by rest and fluids. However, educating yourself about Meningitis will allow you to try and distinguish the signs of the disease from more common ailments. As parents ourselves, we understand the feeling of being over protective. The feeling of not wanting to run to the doctor for every sniffle and runny nose. Blair’s tragic death has taught us to trust our parental intuition. If for a moment you consider taking your child to a doctor or medical facility… just do it. If you change your mind and second guess yourself, don’t… take them! If you feel the need to ask a family member or friend if you should be taking them… JUST DO IT, TAKE THEM!!

Don’t feel bad about it. This is your child, be strong. Ask for Meningitis to be ruled out, whatever it takes. Bloods etc. Don’t leave until that niggling doubt in your mind has been cleared. Never feel bad for protecting your child.

One of Blair’s desires at Boy’s High was to travel to the UK and Spain with school and have the footballing experience of a life time. Sadly, he can no longer go but he absolutely would’ve wanted someone else to go in his place. In raising awareness of Meningococcal Disease, we are also looking to collect $7000 to achieve that aim in Blair’s honour.