Son's chest infection left him with one hour to live, mum warns

A boy from Nottingham developed meningoencephalitis after a prolonged chest infection and was reported to have had about an hour to live at hospital; he spent a month in hospital and is now slowly returning to school while still experiencing memory and mobility challenges.

An 11-year-old boy in Nottingham became seriously ill after a chest infection that family members say spread to his brain. He was diagnosed with meningoencephalitis and sepsis and was placed in an induced coma before undergoing rehabilitation. The boy spent about a month in hospital relearning basic skills, and nearly two years later he is gradually returning to school. His mother has written a book based on the experience, which she says aims to raise awareness about brain injury. Key facts: - The family reported that a prolonged chest infection preceded a diagnosis of meningoencephalitis with sepsis. - On arrival at hospital, doctors reportedly said he had around an hour to live; he was placed in an induced coma and later received rehabilitation to relearn walking, talking and eating. - Nearly two years after the illness he continues to have memory difficulties, headaches, and needs help with some daily tasks while transitioning back to school; the next steps are undetermined at this time. Summary: The reported illness has had lasting effects on the boy's cognition and daily functioning, affecting his schooling and independence. Undetermined at this time.