The father of an 18-year-old pupil who died during a meningitis B outbreak in Kent has described his family's devastation as "immeasurable" and called for improved access to vaccination for teenagers and young people.
Juliette Kenny, a sixth-former at Queen Elizabeth's grammar school in Faversham, died last Saturday, one day after first showing symptoms which included vomiting and discolouration of the cheeks. She had completed the practical assessment for her PE A-level two days before her death.
Her father, Michael Kenny, said in a statement through the Press Association that his daughter had been fit and healthy. He recounted that she vomited in the early hours of 13 March and, after discolouration appeared on her cheeks the following morning, was taken to a local emergency drop-in clinic, given antibiotics, and sent by ambulance to A&E. She died less than 12 hours later.
Mr Kenny said the family was with her at the end, and that the last sounds she heard were those of loved ones telling her how much she was cherished. He said no family should experience such pain and tragedy, and that it could be avoided.
Alongside the Meningitis Research Foundation, the family is urging the UK to take urgent action to improve access to the MenB vaccination for teenagers and young people. He said Juliette's legacy must be lasting change to protect families from the impact of meningitis B.
