Troy Probert was fitted with cochlear implants which were switched on earlier this year.

The decision to go ahead with the implant, placed through surgery in the inner ear and activated by a device worn outside the ear, was made after Troy got through the last infection.

Naturally, his parents are always very cautious every time he is unwell and the Meningitis Trust spokesperson says: ‘Meningitis strikes in an instant, but its impact lasts a lifetime. It does not discriminate – affecting anyone, or any age, at any time, changing lives forever within a matter of hours.’

We think Troy is a brave boy!