Lila Marsland’s devastating story.

Five-year-old Lila Marsland was known for her bright energy and excitement about life, especially her new bike and first weeks of school. On December 27, 2023, a family walk near Dovestone Reservoir took a frightening turn when she developed a severe headache, vomiting, and later neck pain. Her mother, a district nurse, feared something serious and rushed her to hospital, worried the symptoms pointed to meningitis — the beginning of a tragedy her family believes could have been prevented.