Oxford News
Oxford University author’s warning after son died of meningitis
Michael Rosen has warned of the dangers of meningitis after his son, Eddie, died from meningitis C in 1999 after falling ill one night.
The bacterial infection was ‘so dangerous, and so quick’, that Mr Rosen is urging parents to check their teenagers for symptoms if they become ill.
READ MORE: Oxfordshire boy accused of supporting IS appears in court
The children’s author spoke to BBC Newsnight in an interview on Wednesday (March 18) and said: “He got ill, and as a parent I did my diagnosis. I thought it was flu.
“I put him to bed with paracetamol and Nurofen and I went in in the morning and he was dead – it was that quick.”
Mr Rosen, who read English Literature at Wadham College, Oxford, said he was aware of the symptoms of meningitis at the time and had even taken his stepdaughter to hospital with suspected symptoms six weeks before the loss of his son.
It comes as the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said that as of 5pm on Wednesday (March 18), 15 cases of meningitis have been confirmed and a further 12 are under investigation.
This takes the total to 27 cases of either confirmed or suspected meningitis, up from 20 on Wednesday. Two students have died in the outbreak.
READ MORE: Oxford university ‘actively monitoring’ meningitis outbreak
Meningitis B, known as MenB, is the strain of bacteria behind the outbreak.
So far, there are no recorded cases of meningitis in Oxfordshire.
Both Oxford University and Oxford Brookes University have been distributing advice to its respective students around meningitis.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting told reporters on the Canterbury campus that the outbreak of meningitis “isn’t like Covid”, and the risk to the general public is “extremely low”.
Didcot Town FC sent out a reminder yesterday (Saturday March 28), that its event today (Sunday, March 29) has been cancelled.
The show was billed as an afternoon with “three Leeds United Legends… Gordon Strachan and Mel Sterland and Jon Newsome”.
READ MORE: Protesters raise ‘war crimes’ sign near US-run Cotswolds RAF base
Mr Strachan is perhaps the best known of the three having also managed Southampton, Celtic, Middlesbrough and Scotland.
To be held at the football club, its description said: “A night you don’t want to miss.
“Filled with historic stories from the lads at their time at the club, funny inside memories and much more.”
However, the event was cancelled and Didcot Town said that despite its request for tickets to be taken off sale by TD Promotions, they were still showing as on sale yesterday.
Today, the event is listed on TD Promotions’ website as being ‘sold out’ and does not mention that it has been cancelled.
A statement from Didcot Town Football Club said: “The Gordon Strachan, Mel Sterland and Jon Newsome event at Didcot Town this Sunday has been cancelled.
READ MORE: Business owner slams ‘misinformation’ as woodburner company collapses
“Despite our request for tickets to be taken off sale by TD Promotions, they are still showing as on sale.
“TD Promotions have said they will be in contact with everyone that bought a ticket next week to sort out refunds.
“Any issues contact didcotmedia@gmail.com and I will give you their details.”
Didcot Town welcomed former Leeds United strikers Jermaine Beckford and Luciano Becchio in September 2025 for an event through TD Promotions.
Didcot’s event featured an auction and raffle, with comedian Jed Stone as the compere and saw a turnout of around 200 people.
This followed on from other high profile events at the club over the past two years which includes the late boxing legend Ricky Hatton and former England footballer Paul Gascoigne.
Thames Valley Police said on Saturday morning that its investigation continues after a duo were arrested on Thursday, March 26 across the county border from Oxfordshire in Berkshire.
A 27-year-old man and a 28-year-old woman from Slough were arrested on suspicion of murder and grievous bodily harm.
READ MORE: Oxford pedestrian ‘hit’ by Toyota near University Parks
The force said both adults had been released on conditional police bail “pending further enquiries”.
The arrests come after a child “sustained serious injuries” and “tragically passed away in hospital”, according to Detective Inspector Nick Hind from the Major Crime Unit.
The detective said the force’s enquiries are “still at an early stage” and acknowledged the incident is likely to cause “significant concern” in the community.
Hailey CE Primary unveiled the library in conjunction with World Book Day, funded through donations from the Friends of Hailey School, community grants, local business donations and our generous families.
Mrs Davies, headteacher, said: “The school is proud that together we are building a brighter future for our children through the power of reading.”
The library offers a wide selection of books across different genres to help children improve their literacy skills and discover new interests.
Excitement is high within the school community.
Mrs Davies said: “We’re so excited about the opening of our library that everyone’s peeking through the doors to catch a glimpse.
“I cannot wait to unfold the magic behind the books.”
Confusion as Oxfordshire football legends event cancelled
Middle East crisis live: Trump says he wants to ‘take the oil’ in Iran and could seize Kharg Island ‘easily’ | US-Israel war on Iran
Oxford United boss and captain pay tribute to Amelia Aplin
-
Crime & Safety2 weeks agoOxford: ‘Next generation’ LimeBikes in city from today
-
Jobs & Careers2 weeks agoWhy Join Oxford | Oxford University Jobs
-
Jobs & Careers2 weeks agoExplore our Careers
-
Student Life2 weeks agoThe independent cinema battling Oriel College to stay open
-
Oxford Events2 weeks agoMichelin Guide Oxfordshire Restaurants – The Oxford Magazine
-
Oxford Events2 weeks agoOxford News and Events, What’s on in Oxford, Exhibitions
-
Jobs & Careers2 weeks agoInternal Job Board for University vacancies
-
Crime & Safety2 weeks agoCrash partially blocks A40 and causes severe Oxfordshire traffic