TRIBUTES have been paid to a bright and beautiful 19-year-old girl who died suddenly after being struck down by meningitis.

Lauren Downey, a former pupil at Bournemouth School for Girls, was rushed into hospital after she became unwell on Sunday, February 8. Sadly the bubbly teenager, who had shown no symptoms of the disease, had developed septicaemia and then passed away during that night.

Her parents, Paul and Helen, said Lauren was a “kind, thoughtful, generous and loving daughter” who will be missed by everyone who knew her.

Mr Downey said: “My wife and daughter had gone to see her the day before and she was fine.

“We just couldn’t believe it. Everyone will miss her greatly. She had her whole life ahead of her.”

The popular student grew up in Sopley in the New Forest alongside her two younger siblings James, 15, and Olivia, 13.

She was in her second of studying history at University College London and hoped to pursue a career in journalism.

Mr Downey said: “She was a brilliant student.

“She needed one A* and two As to get into university. She ended up with 2A*s and an A. She had always been a real smartypants.

“She went to UCL and did brilliantly in her first year.

“She wanted to become a journalist and was hoping to get an internship at the BBC this summer.

“She had everything going for her.”

The youngster had a passion for music, enjoyed reading and loved going on family holidays.

She practised kick-boxing through-out her teenage years and had many friends both at home and in London.

Mr Downey said: “She always lived life to the full.

“She was brilliant academically but she loved a night out and university life.

“She loved going to festivals and concerts. She went to Reading Festival for the last few years and the Isle of Wight Festival but she was also very studious.”

He added: “All in all, Lauren packed a hell of a lot into her 19-and-a-half years.”

Lauren’s funeral was held at Christchurch Baptist Church on Thursday.

Meningitis Now Founder Steve Dayman said: “I was deeply saddened to read of the death of 19 year old Lauren Downey from meningitis. On behalf of Meningitis Now, which represents thousands of families affected by the devastation caused by meningitis and associated diseases, I pass on our heartfelt sympathies to her family and friends.

“Meningitis and septicaemia are notoriously difficult to diagnose and can kill in hours. I lost my son Spencer to meningitis and septicaemia some time ago and can well imagine the pain that all those who knew Lauren are suffering.

“We are fighting back against all forms of meningitis-related disease.

“Because the disease strikes so quickly and can be difficult to detect, we fund preventative research to wipe out the disease as well as provide support and care to those affected by it.

“If anyone would like a free symptoms information pack or further information, please call our 24-hour freephone helpline on 0808 80 10 388 or visit www.meningitisnow.org.”

Meningitis: the signs and symptoms

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