York’s Millennium Bridge was lit purple to mark World Meningitis Day and to remember teenager Livia Wilson.
Livia, from York passed away on 15 June 2022 after complaining of severe headaches. Her family later learned that she had developed meningitis type B, a bacterial infection that can cause life-threatening complications.
She was just 19.
In her memory, friends and family set up a Liv Forever Instagram page to raise awareness of meningitis and share fundraising events.
To date, more than £28,000 has been raised for meningitis charities.
The bridge illumination was part of the ‘Light the Road Ahead’ campaign, which encourages buildings across the world to illuminate purple to remember those affected by meningitis.
The family said on Instagram: “A huge thank you to everyone who came out for the Millennium Bridge light switch-on in memory of Livia for World Meningitis Day.
“It means the world to us that her story continues to be shared, and the love and support we keep receiving is truly amazing.
“Thank you for keeping her name and light alive.”
The Meningitis Research Foundation said the event is also a way of showing support for the World Health Organization’s Global Roadmap to Defeat Meningitis by 2030.
A spokesperson for the Meningitis Research Foundation said: “Meningitis is fast, ruthless and deadly and can take a healthy life in just 24 hours.
“That’s why raising awareness is so important – it helps people recognise the signs and know when to seek urgent medical care.
“Community efforts, like those led by Livia’s family and friends, do more than raise vital funds – they also help spread crucial awareness.”
It took 16 weeks for medical tests to confirm meningitis as the cause of Livia’s death, after the initial cause was recorded as “unknown”.
The MenB vaccine, introduced for infants in 2015, is not currently part of the NHS routine vaccination programme for teenagers, despite young people being one of the most at-risk groups for meningococcal infection. Teenagers can, however, access the vaccine privately.
Anyone wishing to support the campaign in Livia’s memory can donate via the GoFundMe page.
