The family of an 18-year-old girl who died during the Kent meningitis outbreak say they have been \u201coverwhelmed with love and support\u201d.<\/p>\n
Juliette Kenny, a Year 13 pupil at Queen Elizabeth\u2019s Grammar School in Faversham, died on March 14 \u2013 less than 24 hours after first falling ill at her home.<\/p>\n
Juliette Kenny, 18, died during the meningitis outbreak in Kent<\/p>\n
The schoolgirl, known as Lettie, died from meningitis B, a serious bacterial infection which can lead to meningitis and sepsis and can become life-threatening within hours.<\/p>\n
This week, her family described their heartbreak on a GoFundMe page set up in honour of her legacy.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt has been such a shock to us all and we have been overwhelmed with love and support from our family and friends,\u201d they wrote.<\/p>\n
\u201cThank you to all who have reached out to us, and thank you for keeping us in your thoughts.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe thank Macknade Farm Shop and other groups for choosing Meningitis Research Foundation as one of their chosen charities to fundraise for this year.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Kenny Family (left to right): Juliette, Michael, Rebecca and Florence. Picture: Meningitis Research Foundation<\/p>\n
The family say, with the teenager\u2019s funeral approaching, many have asked whether they should contribute with flowers or a donation.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe, of course, welcome either,\u201d they added.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are keen to celebrate Juliette\u2019s life and continue her legacy.<\/p>\n
\u201cShould you wish to donate, we have made this page in order for you to do so.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are looking to do this in a number of ways, including donations to wildlife charities and support for environmental causes which were close to her heart.<\/p>\n
\u201cThank you once again for all the love, care and support we have been given, we have been in people\u2019s thoughts far and wide and that has been a source of comfort during this incredibly difficult time.\u201d<\/p>\n