I remember the outbreak quite well as I was one of many that had it, plus I had scarlet fever as well.

My mother could not get me into the isolation hospital as it was full up so I was taken to Mayday Hospital. I was in there for 17 weeks in all, plus I was there for Christmas.

All my hair fell out and I could not walk, I had to go to Charing Cross Hospital for a long time and was in a wheelchair for some time but I was lucky to come through all this.

I was seven years old at the time and lived in Sussex Road, South Croydon.

Mrs D Macquire
Tamworth Road
West Croydon