Keith Graham was described as a hardworking and intelligent man
Keith Graham, 41, died suddenly after suffering from flu-like symptoms
A man thought he was suffering from the flu before he died suddenly. Keith Graham, originally from Mayo in Ireland and living in Aigburth, moved to Liverpool as a student before taking up a job as a genetic technologist for the NHS.
The 41-year-old suddenly became unwell and began experiencing what were initially believed to be flu symptoms, including headaches and muscle pain across his body. Keith also complained of having cold hands and feet, a fever, sore throat and fatigue.
As his condition worsened, he was rushed to the Royal Liverpool Hospital where he was placed on a life support machine. Doctors discovered Keith was suffering from Meningoccocal Septicaemia – a type of blood poisoning that is caused by the same type ofbacteria that cause the most common form of bacterial meningitis.
He was later transferred to specialist care at Wythenshawe hospital where he was placed on emergency heart and lung bypass treatment to oxygenate his blood. But this treatment proved unsuccessful and he died shortly after on April 4 this year.
Keith’s family described him as a “popular” and hardworking man as they paid thanks to staff at both hospitals for their attempts to save his life.
In a statement issued to the ECHO, his family said: “He was a very popular, sociable, creative, hard working and intelligent man and a passionate supporter and advocate for safe vaccination programs for disease prevention and eradication, and steadfastly against privatisation and profiteering of this, as well as supportive of men’s mental health and LGBT rights.
“He enjoyed running and was a member of Liverpool Frontrunners Running Club, raising money for various charities including James’ Place.”
Keith Graham, 41, died suddenly after suffering from flu-like symptoms
Many patients who contract Meningitis are often unaware of whether they have ever had the vaccine. This information can be obtained by requesting a vaccine history summary from their GP surgery.
Keith’s family believe that Meningitis vaccines B and ACWY should be provided via the NHS, with adults over the age of 25 currently having to pay for them.
Following his death, Keith’s friend Paul Kerrigan, 38, has set up a petition. Keith’s friend Paul stated: “The current cost of the Men ACWY vaccine is £57 and the cost of the Men B vaccine is between £179.76 – £221.
“We believe this to be extortionate within a time of a cost of living crisis and ethically inexcusable. In memory of Keith, his family and friends are campaigning to petition the UK government for provision of the two Meningitis vaccines to made available on the NHS for all ages.
“Eradicating this disease worldwide is now theoretically possible with the correct political will and vaccination programme. We are under no illusion that we are taking on the global pharmaceutical industry but feel that if we do not raise it, nothing will change and more lives will unnecessarily be lost.”
The petition is now calling the government to introduce Keith’s Law. You can find the petition here.