“I’m very grateful for the team at Medway Maritime Hospital, whose actions helped save my life”

Richard Taylor was a healthy, active man when he developed a persistent clear fluid leaking from his left nostril. The symptoms lasted nearly two years and went undiagnosed despite several GP visits. Embarrassed and unsure what was happening, he kept the problem to himself.

Everything changed during an appointment with ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialists at Medway Maritime Hospital. Doctors and nurses witnessed the leak first‑hand, and tests confirmed that the fluid was cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Richard was urgently referred to Guy’s Hospital in London, where specialists identified a significant skull‑base defect as the cause.

Richard, who lives in Medway, is sharing his story to raise awareness during Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) Leak Week (Monday 1 June to Sunday 7 June).

His diagnosis marked the beginning of a long and challenging journey in which he has survived two episodes of meningitis, undergone two CSF leak repair surgeries, and required multiple shunt operations to relieve pressure and redirect fluid.

Despite these setbacks, he rebuilt his life, completing a degree in 2016, an MBA in 2021, and working for the NHS. Today he works full time, plays golf, and recently enjoyed a family holiday to Bali

Before his first surgery, he appeared on the BBC programme City Hospital to raise awareness.

Richard said: “I’m very grateful for the team at Medway Maritime Hospital, whose actions helped save my life. Their care is one of the reasons I now work to raise awareness for others. I hope my journey shows that—even in the darkest moments—it’s still possible to move forward. I learnt never to give up.”

Richard, who now volunteers with the CSF Leak Association helping to promote earlier diagnosis and better awareness added: “I’m proud to support efforts to educate patients and clinicians so no one has to wait as long as I did for answers.”

As part of CSF Leak Week, Medway Maritime Hospital’s clock tower will be lit up blue on Wednesday 3 June, joining landmarks across the UK in shining a light on the condition.

Read more about Richard’s story on the CSF Leak Association website.

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