Jimmy Carr almost died in hospital after contracting life-threatening infection

16 April 2024 , 05:48

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Funny man Jimmy Carr was close to death when he was a toddler

Comedian Jimmy Carr has revealed that he almost died while battling a life-threatening infection when he was a child.

The sometimes controversial funny man, 51, was diagnosed with meningitis when he was a toddler and was left 'close to death' due to the immense strain it took on his body. According to the NHS, Meningitis is an infection of the protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord (meninges).

It can affect anyone, but is most common in babies, young children, teenagers and young adults. Meningitis can be very serious if not treated quickly. It can cause life-threatening sepsis and result in permanent damage to the brain or nerves.

Jimmy was only three-years-old when he was hospitalised and treated for the infection in Ireland. Thankfully, his body was strong enough to get through it, but 48 years later, Jimmy still remembers what it felt like to be that close to death at such a young age.

"The doctor sort of went, 'It’s going to be very painful',’ Jimmy recalled of fighting the life-threatening infection. However, the star gained an incredible appreciation for life and good health after going through the ordeal.

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Funny man Jimmy Carr was close to death when he was a toddler (nme/netflix)

Speaking on the podcast Where There’s A Will, There’s A Wake with Kathy Burke, Jimmy said: "You’ve got to be cruel to be kind … I think that is the first thing I ever said that my mother thought was funny. I had meningitis when I was a child. So my first memory is a lumbar puncture in Limerick in the General hospital. I was three, I think, and … I was always told it was very close to death.

"The doctor sort of went, 'It’s going to be very painful.' And somehow I’d heard the phrase, and I went, “You’ve got to be cruel to be kind,” in a little child’s voice. And I kind of appreciated that thing of life, because I was always told, “Oh, you nearly didn’t make it”.’

While on the topic of near-death situations, Jimmy also revealed the way in which he would ideally like to die one day. The comedian joked that if he were to choose how to end his life, he would be 'ravaged by sharks' in South Africa.

Jimmy joked: "I want my kids and the people that love me to (be able to tell a story like), 'Oh, Jimmy died… funny story. He flew to South Africa and he went on one of those great shark cage experiences and he forgoed the cage. He said, no cage for me, thanks. I’ll just jump in there with a fish'. And I was ravaged by sharks. That would be a way to go."

If you suspect someone has meningitis or septicaemia, get medical help immediately by contacting your GP or NHS 111; in an emergency dial 999 or go to your nearest accident and emergency department.

Susan Knox