JUST a week ago, Abertillery man Nathan Barrington was close to death as he battled meningitis.

Now, he's all smiles after making a remarkable recovery and being released from hospital.

Mr Barrington, 25, of Glangwyr Street, had to be put into an induced coma because he was fitting so much as his body battled to fight the meningoccocal strain of the brain bug.

He has been recovering at his sister’s home in Caerleon since being released from hospital on Tuesday (Oct 14).

He said: “I do not remember anything about being taken to hospital, all I can remember is waking up in the ward and feeling terrified.

“I must admit I thought I was going to die and I wouldn’t want anyone to go through what I experienced.”

Mr Barrington was diagnosed on October 6 after feeling ill for a couple of days.

He had been suffering from severe headaches and vomiting, but it was when he became delirious at the home he shares with his nephew, Ziyaad Fathe-Alldeen, 20, that he was rushed to Abergavenny's Nevill Hall hospital by paramedics.

Doctors performed a lumbar puncture on Mr Barrington - a procedure to test a sample of fluid from the spinal cord - which confirmed he had developed meningococcal meningitis.

His three sisters, Keri Prosser, 39, Vicky Bryant, 32, and Kay Fathe-Alldeen, 38, who travelled to Abergavenny from her home in Kuwait, were by his bedside throughout the week.

After a nervous wait Mr Barrington eventually regained consciousness on Friday, October 10.

Mr Barrington added: “There is no way I would have been able to get through this without my family they have been my rock.”

Since regaining consciousness Mr Barrington has been able to communicate but his words are slurred and he still suffers from some memory loss.

Doctors have him he could have suffered brain damage due to brain swelling and they are now awaiting a neurologist’s report into his condition.

Mr Barrington said: “I know I have got a long way to go until I am fully recovered but I am determined to get back to full health.”

His sister Keri Prosser said: “We want people to realise that there are more symptoms to look out for with meningitis than a rash.

“Nathan had no rash but severe headaches and terrible vomiting, so I would urge other people with these symptoms to get to a doctor as soon as possible.”

For more information on meningitis and symptoms, go to www.meningitistrust.org.