A Kent mother has described the last 48 hours as “horrendous” after her 21-year-old daughter Keeleigh was rushed to hospital following a terrifying seizure caused by meningitis. Khali Goodwin was woken on Sunday morning to voicemail alerts from William Harvey Hospital in Ashford, confirming Keeleigh had been found unconscious at her Canterbury shared flat and admitted urgently.
“She Had a Seizure and Fell” – Mother’s Harrowing Account
Khali, a 39-year-old mum of six,“Keeleigh called me complaining of symptoms — headache, sickness. I thought it was Covid.”
She added, “Then I woke 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 her daughter’s vaccinations were up to date and never suspected bacterial meningitis. “Seeing her like this these past two days has been absolutely awful,” she said.
Keeleigh’s Life-Changing Battle
The full-time McDonald’s employee visited Club Chemistry nightclub in Canterbury on Thursday, which has since closed for the week amid the meningitis outbreak. The club admitted some attendees “could have been affected” but the source of the outbreak remains unknown.
Keeleigh is expected to stay in the hospital for at least a week. “I visited her yesterday wearing a mask because I have small kids and I have to be careful,” said Khali.
The shock has left Keeleigh “petrified”, her mum reveals. “She said she doesn’t want to go out at all now. This will completely change her life.”
Meningitis Outbreak Hits Kent Hard
The outbreak has tragically claimed two lives, including a Year 13 pupil, Juliette, from Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School, and a University of Kent student. Eleven others remain seriously ill, some in induced comas.
Trish Mannes, UKHSA’s Regional Deputy Director for the South East, reassured the community that close contacts have been given antibiotics, and support is being offered. She urged people to watch for symptoms, including:
- High temperature (fever)
- Vomiting
- Severe headache
- Rash that doesn’t fade under pressure
- Stiff neck
- Sensitivity to light
- Drowsiness or unresponsiveness
- Seizures (fits)
Hundreds of students have queued for antibiotics following the outbreak. UKHSA has worked with the University of Kent to inform its 16,000 students on signs, symptoms, and where to seek help. Not all students will receive antibiotics; only close contacts.
Community in Mourning
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 remains ongoing, with local authorities and health officials on high alert. Anyone experiencing symptoms should call 111 immediately.
