Father of meningitis victim, 18, tells of family’s ‘immeasurable’ devastation

The father of an 18-year-old school pupil who died after the meningitis outbreak in Kent said his family’s devastation is “immeasurable” as he called for better protection for young people.Juliette Kenny died last Saturday, one day after first showing symptoms of vomiting and discoloration in her cheeks, her father, Michael Kenny, said.He said his daughter had been “fit, healthy and strong” and had completed the practical assessment for her PE A-level two days prior to her death.Juliette Kenny, a sixth-form pupil at Queen Elizabeth’s grammar school in Faversham, is one of two students to have died after the outbreak of Meningitis B in the county.Kenny said “no family should experience this pain and tragedy” and that “this can be avoided”, adding that he wanted his daughter’s legacy to be “lasting change”.In a statement to the Press Association, he said: “We are incredibly proud parents to two wonderful daughters.“Juliette is a force in this world. With her beautifully positive energy, she spread fun, love and happiness to those around her and she continues to do so now.“The devastation of her loss to us, her family and friends is immeasurable.“Sharing stories of the empathy, warmth and fun that she created is helping her family and friends through this time. Her energy continues to make the people who love her find a way.”Kenny said he first became aware his daughter was ill when she vomited in the early hours of 13 March. She exhibited no other symptoms at the time.He said: “In the morning on Friday, she was taken, by us, to our local emergency drop-in as discoloration appeared on her cheeks. She was given antibiotics and sent by ambulance to A&E.“Juliette fought bravely for hours, but despite the fantastic NHS hospital staff fighting alongside her, meningitis took her from us less than 12 hours later.“We were with her at the end, and the last sounds that she heard were the voices of those who loved her telling her how very much loved and cherished she is.”Along with the Meningitis Research Foundation, Kenny and his family are calling for the UK to take urgent action to improve access to the MenB vaccination for teenagers and young people.“No family should experience this pain and tragedy,” he said. “This can be avoided. There are young people currently battling this and young people still at risk.“As parents, we knew our children would change the world and be a force for good. The work to protect young people has started. It needs to be more.“Juliette’s impact on this world must be lasting change. Now is the time to ensure families are safe from the impact of Meningitis B.”