“Immeasurable Loss”: Father Speaks Out After Daughter Dies

The grieving father of an 18-year-old student who died following a meningitis outbreak in Kent has described his family’s loss as “immeasurable” and is urging authorities to take stronger action to protect young people.

Juliette Kenny, a sixth-form student at Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School in Faversham, passed away last Saturday after rapidly developing symptoms of meningitis B. According to her father, Michael Kenny, she had only begun to feel unwell the day before, initially experiencing vomiting and later showing discoloration on her cheeks.

Michael Kenny said his daughter had been “fit, healthy and strong,” noting that she had completed her physical education A-level practical assessment just days before falling ill. Juliette is one of two students who have died in the county amid the recent outbreak.

In an emotional statement, he described Juliette as a vibrant and positive young person who brought joy, warmth, and energy to those around her. “The devastation of her loss to us, her family and friends is immeasurable,” he said, adding that sharing memories of her kindness and spirit has helped loved ones cope with the tragedy.

He explained that the family became concerned when Juliette fell ill in the early hours of March 13. She was later taken to a local emergency clinic when further symptoms appeared and was given antibiotics before being transferred to hospital. Despite the efforts of medical staff, she died less than 12 hours later.

Her father said the family remained by her side until the end, offering words of love and comfort.

Now, alongside the Meningitis Research Foundation, the family is calling for urgent improvements in access to the MenB vaccine for teenagers and young people across the UK. Michael Kenny emphasized that such tragedies can be prevented and warned that others remain at risk.

“No family should have to go through this pain,” he said. “Juliette’s legacy must lead to lasting change. Now is the time to ensure better protection for young people against meningitis B.”
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