Family’s anger after girl, 11, dies from meningitis two days after developing a sudden temperature

A FAMILY have said they are "totally heartbroken" after their 11-year-old daughter died from meningitis two days after developing a sudden temperature.

Imogen Mead, from Portsmouth, was rushed to hospital with a temperature on July 29 and the youngster tragically died just 48 hours later.

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Her family's world was turned upside-down as they learned the bubbly girl, who loved performing and dreamed of one day owning her own cake shop, had contracted the deadly disease.

Her mum and dad, Debbie and Ray, have since paid tribute to their "beautiful, creative, kindhearted daughter".

The statement from her bereaved parents went on: "If there was anything to make she would be doing it. Her flair for arts and crafts of all types was incredible.

"She especially liked baking cakes and independently made birthday cakes for friends and family.

"She aspired to have her own cake shop when she was older."

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They added: "She loved going to drama and wouldn't miss it for the world, learning lines and songs for her many performances.

Meningitis, which is an infection of the protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord, is most common in babies, children and young adults.

If not treated quickly it can cause life-threatening blood poisoning.

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The infection can be spread through sneezing, coughing or sharing utensils, and the symptoms, such as a high temperature, develop suddenly.

A crowd-funding page on has already raised more than £4,000 in just four days to help towards funeral costs.

At the weekend friends who knew Imogen at The Young Creatives Porsmouth sang a version of James Bay's Hold Back The River and released heart and star shaped balloons into the sky in her memory.

MENINGITIS SYMPTOMS

Symptoms can appear in any order and some may not appear at all, but here's what to look out for:

Fever, cold hands and feet
Drowsy, difficult to wake
Severe muscle pain
Severe headache
Vomiting
Confusion and irritability
Pale, blotchy skin. Spots / rash
Stiff neck
Dislike bright lights
Convulsions / seizures

Early symptoms include:
Fever, headache, vomiting, muscle pain and fever with cold hands and feet.
Someone with meningitis can get a lot worse very quickly. Keep checking them.
Trust your instincts - Get medical help immediately

Imogen's drama teacher and family friend Marie Amey said: "It's hit us hard. Imogen was just a really lovely, positive girl.

"She would give me a cuddle every time I saw her and she was the first person to ask if you were okay.

"She loved to perform. When she joined us, she was quite shy, but in recent times she came out of her shell.

"At the end of term play she played the role of the female ogre from Shrek."

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Marie added: "The children were asked where they wanted to be in 20 years time and she said she wanted to have her own cake shop.

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