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Mother Issues Warning After Chest Infection Triggers Rare Brain Inflammation, Leaving Son With Lasting Injuries

The boy’s mother has turned the ordeal into a warning for parents, publishing a book to help others understand brain injury recovery.

Overview

  • Franki, now 13 and from Nottingham, was diagnosed with meningoencephalitis with sepsis after what doctors said was likely a five‑week chest infection that spread to his brain.
  • In March 2024, paramedics rushed him to hospital where he was placed in an induced coma as doctors told the family he had about an hour to live.
  • The acute phase included seizures, brain swelling, a collapsed right lung and a stroke, followed by a month in hospital relearning to walk, talk, eat and swallow.
  • Nineteen months later, he has severe short‑term memory problems, violent headaches and intermittent wheelchair use, and he is only gradually returning to school.
  • His mother, Martine Purdy, has published The Forest of Remembering to raise awareness of brain injury and offer support to other families.