--- source: thedugout.football generated: 2026-09-22T16:14:30.037Z last_updated: 2026-09-22T06:00:00+00:00 data_provider: API-Football canonical: https://thedugout.football/clubs/liverpool/news/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubGl2ZXJwb29sZWNoby5jby51ay9uZXdzL2xpdmVycG9vbC1uZXdzL3RlZW5hZ2VyLXdoby1saXZlZC1saXZlcnBvb2wtY2l0eS0zNDY0OTY5NA --- # Teenager died days after he started 'feeling groggy' - **Source:** - **Published:** 22 Sept - **Club:** Liverpool - **Original URL:** https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/teenager-who-lived-liverpool-city-34649694 As a massive Liverpool FC fan like his dad, Aaron was delighted when he moved to Liverpool in September last year. He had started a football science degree at Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) and dreamed of becoming part of the coaching staff at his beloved club. He was also a talented player, coach and referee. The first semester went well for Aaron, who lived at Byrom Point student halls in Liverpool city centre. However, when he returned home to Kidderminster in December to see his family, he fell ill. The teenager started to feel unwell shortly after surprising his dad by turning up at his 50th birthday party back home, but the symptoms didn't seem alarming at first. Speaking to the ECHO previously, Anthony said: “We partied, we sang together, danced together, it was brilliant. Then on December 29, he was feeling a bit groggy, that’s all. “He spent some time in bed and then he came down at night and watched a film with us. Then the following morning, he went down to his mum at 6am and said he had a headache. “He had some paracetamol and went back to bed. And then half an hour after that, he woke me up because he was moaning. I went into his room and he was having a seizure. Aaron was rushed to hospital on December 30, where it was discovered that he had meningitis, specifically a strain of Meningococcal group B (MenB) bacteria. Aaron's condition quickly deteriorated and he died on January 3. According to the UK Health Security Agency, MenB bacteria can cause serious, life-threatening illnesses including meningitis. Being around lots of new people in shared living spaces like university halls increases the risk of the bacteria that cause meningococcal disease spreading. Anthony was aware of the dangers of meningitis after another member of his family was diagnosed with it. He said: “I knew what it was, so I didn’t hesitate. We rang the ambulance. Him having the seizure, that was within half an hour of speaking to his mum. “There were no warning signs that something was serious. We didn’t stand a chance. It went from a headache to a seizure, and he never recovered from that seizure.” But Anthony and other people close to Aaron are ensuring he isn't forgotten. Yesterday (Sunday, September 20), Aaron’s family friend, Shaun McEntee, completed a five-day, 100-mile, fundraising challenge for Meningitis Now. Over the previous five days, Shaun and those taking part ran between universities and colleges to raise awareness of Meningitis B and the vaccine now available to all 17 to 25-year-olds entering university for the first time. The route took them from Aggborough Stadium in Kidderminster, Aaron's hometown, to the University of Wolverhampton, Harper Adams University, Reaseheath College and University Centre, Nantwich, the University of Chester and LJMU. The final stage began at Byrom Point, the LJMU student accommodation where Aaron lived. Joined by staff who taught Aaron, alongside course mates and friends, participants completed the final two miles together, running through Liverpool city centre to Anfield in his memory. On taking on the challenge, Shaun said: “Aaron was an incredible person. He carried himself with the kindest, most caring nature I have probably ever seen in such a young man. "He had a quiet confidence about him that was so endearing. He also made more impact in his 18 years of life than most of us will make in a lifetime. “I knew little to nothing about meningitis before Aaron’s story, but since seeing the devastation it can cause I feel it is only right that I try and play what small part I can in trying to help prevent other families having to go through the loss and suffering that everybody who knew Aaron have endured.” Yvonne Turnbull, LJMU's director of student advice and wellbeing, said: "We've been working with Aaron’s family and Shaun over the past few months to support this incredible fundraising challenge and raise awareness of both the signs and symptoms of Meningitis B and the vaccine now available, helping to ensure no other family has to experience the heartbreak Aaron's family has faced. "Aaron's love for the city and Liverpool FC shines through whenever people talk about him, and it was both emotional and inspiring to see so many students and staff come together to support the challenge in his memory." Aaron’s family and friends have a simple message to all students: Meningitis B is preventable. Young people, aged 17 and 18 years old, and those under 25 starting university for the first time are now eligible for a free MenB vaccine. If you are a student or young person, check your vaccination status with your GP or book via the Meningitis Now/NHS website. For students and young adults, key symptoms of Meningitis B to watch out for are: If someone is seriously unwell, difficult to wake, confused, or develops a non-fading rash, call 999 or seek emergency medical help immediately. Meningitis B can become life-threatening within hours. If you’d like to donate to the challenge in Aaron’s memory, you can do so in two ways. Donate directly to the Meningitis Now fundraising challenge in memory of Aaron Mills. Or for members of the LJMU community, you can download and join the Moves+ Challenge, track your steps on the Moves+ App and once you hit a goal, LJMU Move will donate to Meningitis Now on your behalf.