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.
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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”.
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.
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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.”
The garden has been developed at Folly View Primary School and is designed to support pupil wellbeing, creativity, and personal growth by providing a calming and engaging outdoor space.
Funding for the project was secured through a £1,500 grant from the Tesco Community Grants scheme, made possible by votes from shoppers using blue tokens at the Faringdon store.
Muddy Spades, a local gardening business led by Royston Oxendale, also played a key role in bringing the garden to life by donating plants and building bespoke planters for the space.
Richard Evans, chief executive of Cambrian Learning Trust, said: “This wonderful sensory garden is a testament to what can be achieved when a community comes together with a shared purpose.
“At Cambrian Learning Trust, we are proud to see Folly View Primary School bringing its core values of belonging, kindness, and aspiration to life in such a meaningful way.
“This space will not only enhance pupils’ wellbeing but also inspire curiosity, resilience, and a lifelong love of learning.”
The garden will also support the school’s gardening club, offering pupils hands-on opportunities to care for plants and learn about the environment.
The school has thanked Tesco Faringdon, Muddy Spades, the PTA, and everyone involved in turning the garden into a reality.
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