A man tragically died just days after telling his family he felt unwell with a cold, it has been reported.
Lucas Martin, from the Isle of Man, was an International Business Student at the University of Liverpool and graduated in the summer of 2023, as reported by Liverpool Echo.
After the 21-year-old 's academic success, he traveled back home to the island where he worked several part-time jobs such as working for his uncle's car business and selling reusable water bottles.
Martin's parents, Brett and Nicola, revealed to the outlet that they were on holiday in the Midlands when their son called to say that he "had been feeling a bit under the weather," and told them "not to worry" as he'll just sleep it off.
However, as the phone call had worried them, Brett and Nicola later asked a friend to check on Lucas and found his condition had worsened.
"She found him delirious and got him into the hospital," they told the publication. "It turned out to be bacterial meningitis. He passed away within days."
According to Hopkins Medicine, Meningitis is an infection of the membranes (meninges) that shield the spinal cord and brain. When the membranes become infected, they protrude and press on the spinal cord or brain, and this can cause life-threatening problems.
Feeling confused or sleepy is a symptom of bacterial meningitis, and this can lead to brain damage, paralysis, or stroke. Unfortunately, in some cases, it can be fatal as death occurs in a few hours.
Four months later, Lucas' heartbroken family is still struggling to process his death.
The father described his son as a "force of nature" with lots of "enthusiasm and determination," adding: "It was a terrible shock for us and continues to be so. Nothing can take away the grief, it’s biblical in proportions.
"He was such a life force to lose, he was such a presence around the house. Life is in greyscale rather than in color these days."
Brett and Nicola have since formed a charity called Looky’s Aid, which is committed to giving opportunities to young people from disadvantaged backgrounds. The funds are raised through projects such as marathons, football matches, and merchandise.
"Our strapline is unlocking young people’s potential. We’re looking for kids in disadvantaged positions. Maybe they’ve suffered bereavement or parental bereavement," Brett said. "Maybe mum and dad don't have a lot of money or maybe they have a physical disability. We can use charity funding to help them. The idea is to focus on a small number of people and make a big difference in their lives."
Brett feels Looky's Aid is a reflection of his son's generosity as the family found out after Lucas' death that he signed up for organ donation. "After he passed, we talked to the doctors about organ donation. He said, 'No need to worry about that, he's already registered,'" he said.
"He had encouraged his friends to do so too. His liver and kidneys were taken," he continued. "That's saved at least one life and improved the condition of two other lives as far as we know. That's the mark of the man. He didn't need our permission."
Our thoughts remain with Lucas's family and friends as his legacy continues to make a difference.
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