Man, 21, 'destined for great things' dies days after going to bed 'with a cold'

19 January 2024 , 08:33

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Lucas, 21, on his graduation before his death (Image: Liverpool Echo)

A recent university graduate has tragically died just days after telling his family he felt unwell with a cold.

Lucas Martin, from the Isle of Man, was an International Business Student at the University of Liverpool and graduated just last summer, with his whole life ahead of him. The 21-year-old returned home to the island where he worked several part-time jobs in preparation for finding a full-time position.

The parents were on holiday in the Midlands while Lucas was back home from University. They arranged for a friend to go to check on him in their absence and she was horrified to find him in a bad way.

Lucas Martin with his mother and father in Liverpool (Liverpool Echo)

Speaking to the LiverpoolECHO, his dad Brett said he remembers the last thing his son said was: "I’m going back to bed, don't worry about it."Brett continues: "We arranged for a friend to go round to see if he needed any help with groceries because our house is in the countryside. She found him delirious and got him into the hospital. It turned out to be bacterial meningitis. He passed away within days."

Appearing confused and sleepy are both symptoms of meningitis. Four months on, Lucas' family are still struggling to process his death.

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Brett describes his son as a star and a "force of nature" with lots of "enthusiasm and determination." Brett said: "It was a terrible shock for us and continues to be so. Nothing can take away the grief, it’s biblical in proportions. He was such a life force to lose, he was such a presence around the house. Life is in greyscale rather than in colour these days."

Brett and Nicola started a charity called Looky’s Aid, dedicated to providing opportunities to young people from disadvantaged backgrounds. The charity raises money for these projects through charity marathons, football matches and merchandise. Brett said: "Our strapline is unlocking young people’s potential. We’re looking for kids in disadvantaged positions. Maybe they’ve suffered bereavement or parental bereavement. Maybe mum and dad don't have a lot of money or maybe they have a physical disability. We can use charity funding to help them. The idea is to focus on a small number of people and make a big difference in their lives."

Lucas himself was planning on working for a small company where he could be creative. Brett feels this charity aligns with his son’s generosity and ambition. It was a revelation after Lucas’ death which Brett said demonstrated his son’s generosity. He said: "After he passed, we talked to the doctors about organ donation. He said, 'no need to worry about that, he's already registered.' He had encouraged his friends to do so too. His liver and kidneys were taken. That's saved at least one life and improved the condition of two other lives as far as we know. That’s the mark of the man. He didn't need our permission."

Jamie Greer