A Caerphilly schoolgirl who contracted a life‑threatening meningococcal infection when she was three has been named as a finalist in this year’s BBC Make a Difference Awards in the Young Hero category.
A sudden illness that terrified her family
Noa‑Rose Alderman, now seven, fell ill in December 2022 after playing in a park with her father. What her parents initially assumed were "growing pains" rapidly worsened, and the family took her to Prince Charles Hospital, Merthyr Tydfil, where medics carried out a series of tests.
"When we got to the hospital it was very difficult to hold her because her body was in pain. Everywhere you touched she was in agony. Her hands and feet were cold but she had a raging temperature," said her mother, Emma Alderman.
After treatment with steroids and further examination, Noa‑Rose was diagnosed with meningococcal type B meningitis. Her parents, Emma and Scott Alderman, later described how they feared they might lose their daughter.
Recovery and ongoing impact
Although Noa‑Rose survived the acute illness, the infection has left her with lifelong consequences. The family’s experience prompted them to start raising awareness about the dangers of invasive bacterial infections and to fundraise to support related causes.
- Illness onset: December 2022, after park playtime
- Hospital: Prince Charles Hospital, Merthyr Tydfil
- Diagnosis: meningococcal type B meningitis
- Current status: aged seven; finalist for BBC Make a Difference Awards (Young Hero)
Recognition for fundraising and advocacy
Noa‑Rose’s nomination for the BBC award recognises her fundraising efforts and determination to raise awareness so other families might recognise symptoms earlier and seek prompt medical help. The family have shared their story publicly to encourage vigilance among parents and carers.
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 2022 | Sudden onset of symptoms and hospital admission (December) |
| 2023–2026 | Ongoing recovery and fundraising/awareness work |
| 2026 | Named finalist for BBC Young Hero award |
Health experts advise that invasive infections such as meningococcal disease can progress quickly in young children and that parents should seek urgent medical assessment for symptoms including high fever, severe limb pain, a new rash, lethargy or difficulty being comforted. The NHS website and local health services offer guidance on recognising red‑flag symptoms and when to attend emergency care.
Noa‑Rose’s family say they are relieved their daughter survived and are determined that her story will help others. The BBC accolade will bring national attention to their campaign, and the shortlist recognises the resilience of a child and her family following a near‑fatal illness.
