Plymouth: Meningitis Victims Emotional Film

1 May 2014, 06:05 | Updated: 1 May 2014, 06:10

A Plymouth University student who contracted meningitis at the age of 19 has produced an emotional film highlighting how he believes a life-changing disability doesn't mean you have to give up on your dreams.

Jonathan Brough was in Canada training to be a skiing instructor when he was diagnosed with the condition, and subsequent complications in his treatment left him paralysed from the neck down. 

But despite his disability, and the fact he requires round the clock care, he has since fulfilled his dream of pursuing his studies and is now in his final year of a Media Arts degree at Plymouth University. 

As one of his final year projects, Jonathan has written and produced a film about his experiences in the hope of raising awareness of the condition, but also to inspire others with a serious disability to think about what they might achieve in the future. 

But through pioneering medical treatment, in particular at the Duke of Cornwall Spinal Treatment Centre in Salisbury, he learnt to speak again and pursue his ambition of going to university. 

As well as his studies, Jonathan has also discovered a passion for music, and regularly performs as a beatbox artist at venues in Plymouth and closer to home.