Father's Heartbreak Over Meningitis Death of 18-Year-Old Daughter in Kent
The father of an 18-year-old school pupil who died after a meningitis outbreak in Kent has described his family's devastation as "immeasurable" and is urging for better protection for young people through improved vaccination access.
Rapid Onset of Symptoms
Juliette Kenny, a sixth-form student at Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School in Faversham, Kent, passed away last Saturday, just one day after first showing symptoms. Her father, Michael Kenny, reported that she initially experienced vomiting and discoloration in her cheeks.
He noted that Juliette had been "fit, healthy and strong" and had successfully completed the practical assessment for her PE A-level only two days before her death. She is one of two students to have died following the meningitis B outbreak in the county.
Family's Emotional Statement
In a heartfelt statement to the Press Association, Kenny expressed his pride in his daughters, saying, "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."
He added that sharing stories of her empathy and warmth is helping her loved ones cope, but emphasized that no family should endure such pain, stating it can be avoided with proper measures.
Urgent Call for Vaccination Action
Kenny detailed the rapid progression of Juliette's illness: she vomited in the early hours of 13 March, with no other symptoms initially. By morning, discoloration appeared, leading to a visit to a local emergency drop-in, where she was given antibiotics and transported by ambulance to A&E.
Despite efforts from NHS staff, meningitis claimed her life less than 12 hours later. Kenny was with her at the end, ensuring she heard loving voices.
Now, alongside the Meningitis Research Foundation, the Kenny family is advocating for urgent action to enhance access to the MenB vaccination for teenagers and young people in the UK. Kenny asserted, "This can be avoided. There are young people currently battling this and young people still at risk."
He concluded by calling for lasting change to protect families from meningitis B, emphasizing that Juliette's legacy should inspire safety improvements.
