A ‘loving and generous’ brother tragically died after believing his meningitis symptoms were simply from ‘sleeping awkwardly’, his family say.
David Monteiro, who worked as a security guard in Digbeth, was only 39 when died just a week before Christmas.
Described as a ‘social butterfly’, the doorman had been planning to celebrate his 40th birthday on New Year’s Day with a big party.
Now, his grieving family are trying to fundraise for his funeral, as well as raise life-saving awareness of the devastating illness from which he died.
The GoFundMe page – which has a target of £5,500 – had raised £3,000 so far on December 22. Speaking on his death, his youngest sister Rachel Monteiro said: “Could you recognise the signs of meningitis?
“My brother, David, couldn’t. We lost him to this devastating illness last week, and now we are trying to raise awareness and funds in his memory.
“He believed he simply had a bad back and a stiff neck from sleeping awkwardly. None of us understood the severity of what was happening to him — not even David himself.”
His family say he “very suddenly” developed a swelling on the brain and suffered a seizure. This led to him being placed into a coma at Heartlands Hospital.
“Within just a few days, this cruel illness took his life,” Rachel added.
“We share David’s story with love, hoping it might help even one person recognise the signs sooner and save a life.”
In their GoFundMe efforts, the shocked family paid tribute to a “loving, kind and generous soul who touched everyone he met.”
She said: “He would of went out of his way to help when he could…David was a people person and a social butterfly.
“His smile, warmth, and humour made the world a brighter place, and the loss of his presence is deeply felt by all who knew him.
Any excess funds raised will be donated to the intensive care unit at Heartlands Hospital and a meningitis charity. Rachel said: “Thank you for helping us lay David to rest with love, dignity, and peace. Please keep our family in your thoughts and prayers.” You can donate here.
Source – Birmingham Mail
