Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

On Friday 29th March, an angel was taken away from us, far too soon. At 23, Abigail, my beautiful, precious niece, contracted Meningococcal meningitis which progressed rapidly causing irreversible and unsurvivable injury to her brain...she had been unwell with cold like symptoms for a few days, but was carrying on in her normal cheerful way “I’m ok”. She had been to a Minor Injury Unit to get her wrist checked as it was aching and painful on Wednesday  but all seemed ok; tendonitis...she chatted to a lot of people that day too, me included. In the evening we had a text conversation and I suggested she get her symptoms checked at the hospital...something wasn’t right and she was worried, but I guess she thought it would wait until the next day. She was rushed into hospital 6 hours later, unresponsive.

Since wide spread vaccination (ACWY strain) was introduced for young people (age 14\15) a few years ago in 2015, the incidence of this disease has reduced.  It’s not talked about quite as much as it was. Even the consultant said they don’t really see it like this anymore. While I am not advocating going to hospital for cold symptoms, there was clearly something more she was worried about with a myriad of vague systemic, unrelated symptoms, that when you hear all of them you realise that it wasn’t just a cold. Get your teens vaccinated if you can. It does save lives.

Abs was a shining example to the world. I am going to miss her so much, she had a sparkling, attractive personality, drawing people to her. I am going to endeavour to live my life more in the way she lived hers, with a zest, a joy, taking every opportunity and grabbing it. I am totally devastated for her parents, for me, for the rest of the family and also her friends. She has left a hole in my heart and my life that can never be filled. The world is a little bit darker. But through donation, other families lives will be filled with light and love and laughter once more. She will change the world for 4 others and their families.

Xxx🦋💔🕊

And in her honour, here are a few hashtags!
#angel #heartbroken #hugthemclose #organdonation #savelives #meningitis #vaccinate

Become an organ donor - register your wishes and have that conversation with your relatives  https://www.organdonation.nhs.uk/register-to-donate/register-your-details/

Find out about the work of the Charity we are raising funds for -https://www.meningitisnow.org/

Learn about the vaccination available to those under 25yrs old, and why you should have it            https://www.meningitis.org/meningitis/vaccine-information