David Monteiro, who worked as a security guard in Digbeth, was only 39 when died just a week before Christmas
David Monteiro was just 39 when he died from meningitis
A Birmingham bouncer has been praised for ‘keeping people safe’ in the city after his sudden death a week before Christmas.
David Monteiro, a security guard in Digbeth, should have been celebrating his 40th birthday with a big party on New Year’s Day. Instead, his grieving family are now raising urgent awareness of the devastating illness that claimed his life.
The 39-year-old had put common symptoms like back pain and a stiff neck down to ‘sleeping awkwardly’ and, tragically, within a few days he died from meningitis.
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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 where he passed away.
In the wake of his death, his grieving family were urgently trying to raise awareness of meningitis and its symptoms, as well as raising funds for his funeral. As of Sunday, January 4, their GoFundMe had nearly £4,000 towards the goal of £5.5k.
Many were quick to pay tribute to ‘Dave’, known as a “real decent man” who always helped others – particularly in his line of work as a doorman.
Fran Chapman said: “RIP Dave, Thank you for being there to keep myself and my daughter safe and a chat on our nights out.”
Himmat Singh commented: “Dave.. a real decent man.. always helped people with a smile. Such a top guy.. you will be missed bro.. Rest in Power.”
David, who worked as a security guard in Digbeth, was known as a ‘loving and generous soul'(Image: GoFundMe)
Jennifer Finch added: “Sincere condolences to the the family I cannot imagine the pain you must all be feeling. RIP Dave.
Nizar Minsaria wrote: “Big part of my life, my brother Dave side by side for many years. Rest easy brother.”
Speaking on his death, his youngest sister Rachel Monteiro previously asked: “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.
“Within just a few days, this cruel illness took his life.”
NHS – advice on meningitis
Meningitis is an infection of the protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord (meninges).
It can affect anyone, but is most common in babies, young children, teenagers and young adults.
Meningitis can be very serious if not treated quickly.
It can cause life-threatening blood poisoning (septicaemia) and result in permanent damage to the brain or nerves.
A number of vaccinations are available that offer some protection against meningitis.
Symptoms of meningitis
Symptoms of meningitis develop suddenly and can include:
- a high temperature (fever) of 38C (100.4F) or above
- being sick
- a headache
- a rash that does not fade when a glass is rolled over it (but this will not always develop)
- a stiff neck
- a dislike of bright lights
- drowsiness or unresponsiveness
- fits (seizures)
These symptoms can appear in any order. You do not always get all the symptoms.
How meningitis is spread
Meningitis is usually caused by a bacterial or viral infection.
Bacterial meningitis is rarer but more serious than viral meningitis.
Infections that cause meningitis can be spread through:
- sneezing
- coughing
- kissing
- sharing utensils, cutlery and toothbrushes
Meningitis is usually caught from people who carry these viruses or bacteria in their nose or throat but are not ill themselves.
It can also be caught from someone with meningitis, but this is less common.
Vaccinations against meningitis
Vaccinations offer some protection against certain causes of meningitis.
These include the:
- meningitis B vaccine – offered to babies aged 8 weeks, followed by a second dose at 16 weeks and a booster at 1 year
- 6-in-1 vaccine – offered to babies at 8, 12 and 16 weeks of age
- pneumococcal vaccine – offered to babies at 8 weeks, 16 weeks and 1 year old
- Hib/MenC vaccine – offered to babies at 1 year of age
- MMR vaccine – offered to babies at 1 year and a second dose at 3 years and 4 months
- meningitis ACWY vaccine – offered to teenagers, sixth formers and “fresher” students going to university for the first time
Outlook for meningitis
Viral meningitis will usually get better on its own and rarely causes any long-term problems.
Most people with bacterial meningitis who are treated quickly will also make a full recovery, although some are left with serious long-term problems.
These can include:
- hearing loss or vision loss, which may be partial or total
- problems with memory and concentration
- recurrent seizures (epilepsy)
- co-ordination, movement and balance problems
- loss of limbs – amputation of affected limbs is sometimes necessary
Overall, it’s estimated up to 1 in every 10 cases of bacterial meningitis is fatal.
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.
Have you been affected by meningitis? We would like to hear from you. You can contact us by emailing stephanie.balloo@reachplc.com