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Chuck Norris has reportedly been hospitalized following a medical emergency in Hawaii.

The Walker, Texas Ranger star has owned a $7 million home on Kauai’s North Shore since 2015.

According to TMZ, Norris is conscious and in “good spirits.” No details regarding the nature of the medical emergency have been released.

The Independent has contacted Norris’s representative for comment.

Last week, Norris celebrated his 86th birthday, marking the occasion with a social media post that included a video of himself sparring with a boxing trainer.

At the time, he wrote: “I don’t age. I level up. I’m 86 today! Nothing like some playful action on a sunny day to make you feel young.”

He continued: “I’m grateful for another year, good health and the chance to keep doing what I love. Thank you all for being the best fans in the world. Your support through the years has meant more to me than you’ll ever know. God Bless, Chuck Norris.”

Norris is a former martial arts champion who starred opposite Bruce Lee in 1972’s The Way of the Dragon. He went on to have a successful film and television career, most famously leading the Walker, Texas Ranger action crime series on CBS from 1993 to 2001.

Last December, he shared an emotional tribute to his first wife, Dianne Holechek, who died at the age of 84.

“I am deeply saddened to share that my ex wife, Dianne, has passed away. After being married for 30 years, we were able to find a way to remain close friends, and those years of friendship meant the world to me,” Norris wrote on Facebook.

“Dianne was an incredible person. She was kind, intelligent, and lived life to the fullest. Her presence in my life will never be forgotten. She was also a loving and devoted mother to our sons, Mike and Eric, who were always her greatest pride.

“Even as our lives took different directions, we continued to care deeply for one another, and I will forever cherish the memories we built together.”

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Holechek and Norris met at North High School in Torrance, California, and married in 1958 when they were 17 and 18, respectively.

They separated in 1988, after 30 years of marriage, finalizing their divorce in 1989. They had two children together, Mike (born 1962) and former NASCAR racing driver Eric (born 1965).

Norris subsequently married model Gena O’Kelley, 62, in 1998. They share twins, Dakota and Danilee, 24.

Juliette Kenny died one day after first showing symptoms – now her family is calling for better protection for young people.

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The dad of a teenager who died in Kent following a meningitis outbreak has spoken about the family’s utter devastation at their loss.

Juliette Kenny died on Saturday March 14, just one day after first showing symptoms. Now the 18 year old’s family is calling for better protection for young people.

Juliette’s father Michael Kenny has spoken about the loss which his family are dealing with, saying that his daughter had been “fit, healthy and strong” before her death.

She had completed the practical assessment for her PE A-level on Thursday, March 12 – and just a day later, was showing symptoms including vomiting, and discolouration in her cheeks. Juliette, who was described by her father as having a “beautifully positive energy”, is one of two students who have died following the outbreak of meningitis B in the county.

Mr Kenny said “no family should experience this pain and tragedy” and that “this can be avoided”, adding that he wanted his daughter’s legacy to be “lasting change”. It comes as more than 100 students in Kent were turned away while trying to get a meningitis vaccine after officials closed the queue on Thursday.

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In a statement to the Press Association, Mr Kenny said: “We are incredibly proud parents to two wonderful daughters. Juliette is a force in this world. With her beautifully positive energy she spread fun, love and happiness to those around her and she continues to do so now.

“The devastation of her loss to us, her family and friends is immeasurable. Sharing stories of the empathy, warmth and fun that she created is helping her family and friends through at this time. Her energy continues to make the people who love her find a way.

“The illness took her from us so quickly.”

Mr Kenny said he first became aware that his daughter was ill when she vomited in the early hours of Friday, March 13. Juliette, a year 13 student at Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School in Faversham, exhibited no other symptoms at that time, he added.

“In the morning on Friday, she was taken, by us, to our local emergency drop-in as a discolouration appeared on her cheeks,” Mr Kenny said.

“She was given antibiotics and sent by ambulance to A&E. Juliette fought bravely for hours, but despite the fantastic NHS hospital staff fighting alongside her, meningitis took her from us less than 12 hours later.

“We were with her at the end, and the last sounds that she heard were the voices of those who loved her telling her how very much loved and cherished she is.”

Along with the Meningitis Research Foundation, Mr Kenny and his family are calling for the UK to take urgent action to improve access to the menB vaccination for teenagers and young people.

“No family should experience this pain and tragedy,” he said.

“This can be avoided. There are young people currently battling this and young people still at risk.

“As parents, we knew our children would change the world and be a force for good. The work to protect young people has started. It needs to be more.

“Juliette’s impact on this world must be lasting change. Now is the time to ensure families are safe from the impact of meningitis B.”

Vinny Smith, chief executive of Meningitis Research Foundation, said in 2015 the charity’s calls for the menB vaccination to be “routinely available” on the NHS for all at-risk age groups was “not taken forward” as it was “judged not to be cost-effective”. The menB jab was introduced on the NHS for babies in 2015, meaning the majority of young people born before then are not protected against it unless they have had the jab privately.

The Kenny family were not aware that the vaccination is not routinely available on the NHS for teenagers and young adults, and that to have this they would need to pay for it privately. Mr Smith called on the Government to “decide now to save lives” and highlighted menB’s “lifelong impact”, including disabilities caused by the bug.

He said: “When we made the case for menB vaccination to be routinely available on the NHS in 2015 for all at-risk age groups, wider protection for teenagers and young adults was not taken forward (it was judged to not be cost-effective within the criteria used at the time). Our concern, then and now, is that this has not fully reflected the impact of menB or the full value protection from a vaccine brings.

“It hasn’t accounted for the severity of meningitis, its lifelong impact, or the trauma and bereavement experienced by families. People across the country will have seen that impact this week; we believe the UK Government can decide now to save lives and limit the lifelong disabilities caused by meningitis, protecting people for generations to come.”

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said that as of 5pm on Wednesday, 15 cases of meningitis have been confirmed and a further 12 are under investigation. This takes the total to 27 cases of either confirmed or suspected meningitis, up from 20 on Wednesday.

Currently, nine of the 15 confirmed cases are known to be caused by menB. On Thursday, 40 MPs signed a letter addressed to the Health Secretary calling on the Government and health officials to work with universities across the country on catch-up vaccination programmes, and to improve awareness.

It also said the joint committee on vaccination and immunisation (JCVI) review of eligibility for meningitis vaccines should be conducted at pace. As of Thursday, the vaccine programme in Kent has been rolled out to anyone who attended the Club Chemistry venue from March 5 to March 15, year 12 and 13 pupils at affected schools, students and staff at the University of Kent and Canterbury Christ Church university, and close contacts of confirmed or suspected cases.

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Matthew Curtis is the author of Manchester’s Best Beer Pubs and Bars which is soon to publish its second edition.

In the book, releasing on April 2, he praised Bolton’s drinking spots as “heaven for lovers of cask ale” and recommended a day in town exploring “its many fine pubs”.

The famous Bank Top Brewery Tap was named as his star pick, and the writer complimented the other two pubs owned by Bank Top Brewery as “superb” too.

Bunbury’s on Chorley Old Road was also named in the guide, with Matthew saying the drinking spot “feels closer to your mate’s front room than it does a licensed drinking establishment”.

Owner Darryl Leech said they’re “craft ale and real ale specialists” with seven rotating lines that guarantee a unique drink every visit.

Darryl Leech at Bunbury’s (Image: Darryl Leech)

He said the pub’s changed over the years but “it feels like a real place where anyone can come and be part of something”.

Earl’s was also given a shout out for its “great beer” and “seriously well-made sandwiches”.

Matthew said the Northern Monkey Bar was a “nice counterpoint” to the more traditional pubs common in town – such as Ye Olde Man and Scythe, one of the oldest bars in the country.

One for the Road in Bolton Market was lauded for its “concise” beer selection and Matthew said the traders “are well worth pursuing” before settling down with a beer.

John Monaghan at One for the Road (Image: Newsquest)

Westhoughton was also visited in the guide and Matthew said it “certainly punches above its weight in terms of great beer destinations”, naming The Beer School and The Brewery Tap as two standouts.

The Beer School recently took home three awards at the Best Bar None Bolton nightlife awards including the Platinum Award, Special Recognition Award and the Community Award Winner.

Owner Rachel Birch, who worked as a teacher before starting the bar in 2016, said the journey has been “an absolute rollercoaster”.

Rachel Birch at The Beer School in Westhoughton (Image: Rachel Birch)

With nearly a decade in the town, she’s built their reputation as “an independent, permanent beer festival” with every cask on rotation.

Bolton CAMRA Chair John Mitchell said they were “delighted” that the guide “shines a light on the diversity of the Bolton pub scene”.

He said: “From traditional favourite the Olde Man and Scythe in Bolton town centre with its range of cask beers and ciders to the café bar Earl’s up towards Doffcocker, which sells a variety of craft beers, there is something for everyone in the guide.

“Bolton’s breweries are also well represented with bars operated by both Bank Top and Northern Monkey included.

“It’s good to see Matthew is encouraging drinkers to get out of the city centre to visit Bolton and its surroundings where there are lots of pubs and bars where you’ll get a warm welcome and a great pint.”

The refreshed version of the award-winning guide features pubs across every borough in Greater Manchester – with the revised edition featuring 50 new additions and detailed reviews of over 200 pubs, bars and taprooms.

Manchester’s Best Beer Pubs and Bars will be released on Thursday, April 2, 2026.

The Spanish island is expected to see the impacts of Storm Therese, which is predicted to last until Sunday (March 22).

Authorities activated the Island Emergency Plan (PEIN) at 3pm on Wednesday (March 18).

This triggered widespread closures, restrictions and the suspension of outdoor activities across the island.

Tenerife President Rosa Dávila said: ‘Starting today (Wednesday, March 18) at 3pm, the island emergency response system is put into operation to prepare for an episode of adverse weather that will affect Tenerife over the coming days.”

Residents and tourists have been advised to avoid unnecessary journeys and take extra care while driving.

Additionally, they should not enter closed or restricted areas and loose outdoor items that could be blown away should be secured.

Authorities have confirmed that all emergency services remain on standby and ready to respond as the situation develops.

What weather warnings are in place on Tenerife?

Aemet, Spain’s national meteorological agency, has shared that the Canary Islands as a whole will experience a “period of adverse weather” for the rest of this week.

From today (Thursday, March 19), winds are expected to exceed 55mph in the “peaks, mid-altitude areas, and exposed slopes of the islands”.

Heavy showers are anticipated across the weekend, along with possible thunderstorms and hail.

Strong gusts of wind are also likely to be present on Saturday (March 21) before it subsides on Sunday (March 22).

Will flights to Tenerife be impacted?

At the time of writing, it is unknown if the storm will cause flights to Tenerife and other Canary Islands to be cancelled, but delays cannot be ruled out.

Canarian Weekly shared that 26 flights were cancelled on Wednesday, March 18, with seven others diverted.

Most of those were local inter-island flights, but some incoming international flights were impacted too.

For example, a flight intended for La Palma Airport from Madrid was diverted to Tenerife South.

Authorities warn that the situation remains fluid as Storm Therese continues to affect the islands, with strong winds and heavy rain creating hazardous flying conditions.

Passengers are advised to check with their airlines before travelling and allow extra time when heading to the airport.

Community tensions – and reports of both antisemitism and Islamophobia – have been rising in Australia since Hamas attacked Israel on 7 October 2023, killing more than 1,200 people and taking 251 others hostage. Israel’s offensive in Gaza has led to more than 72,000 Palestinian deaths, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.

Juliette Kenny, 18, died less than 12 hours after being rushed to A&E with symptoms of meningitis B

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The father of a teenager who tragically passed away in Kent amidst a meningitis outbreak has expressed his family’s profound grief over their loss.

Juliette Kenny succumbed to the illness on Saturday, March 14, merely a day after initial symptoms appeared. The family of the 18 year old is now advocating for enhanced protection measures for young individuals.

Michael Kenny, Juliette’s father, has shared the heartbreak his family is grappling with, stating that his daughter had been “fit, healthy and strong” prior to her untimely demise. She had successfully completed her practical assessment for her PE A-level on Thursday, March 12, only to display symptoms such as vomiting and cheek discolouration the following day.

Juliette, described by her father as possessing a “beautifully positive energy”, is one of two students who have lost their lives due to the meningitis B outbreak in the county. Mr Kenny voiced that “no family should experience this pain and tragedy” and that “this can be avoided”. He wishes for his daughter’s legacy to inspire “lasting change”.

This comes as over 100 students in Kent were denied access to a meningitis vaccine after officials closed the queue on Thursday, reports Belfast Live.

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In a statement to the Press Association, Mr Kenny expressed: “We are incredibly proud parents to two wonderful daughters. Juliette is a force in this world. With her beautifully positive energy she spread fun, love and happiness to those around her and she continues to do so now.

“The devastation of her loss to us, her family and friends is immeasurable. Sharing stories of the empathy, warmth and fun that she created is helping her family and friends through at this time. Her energy continues to make the people who love her find a way.

“The illness took her from us so quickly.”

Mr Kenny revealed he initially realised his daughter was unwell when she was sick during the early hours of Friday, March 13. Juliette, a year 13 pupil at Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School in Faversham, displayed no other signs at that point, he explained.

“In the morning on Friday, she was taken, by us, to our local emergency drop-in as a discolouration appeared on her cheeks,” Mr Kenny said.

“She was given antibiotics and sent by ambulance to A&E. Juliette fought bravely for hours, but despite the fantastic NHS hospital staff fighting alongside her, meningitis took her from us less than 12 hours later.

“We were with her at the end, and the last sounds that she heard were the voices of those who loved her telling her how very much loved and cherished she is.”

Together with the Meningitis Research Foundation, Mr Kenny and his family are urging the UK to take immediate steps to enhance access to the menB vaccination for teenagers and young adults.

“No family should experience this pain and tragedy,” he said.

“This can be avoided. There are young people currently battling this and young people still at risk.

“As parents, we knew our children would change the world and be a force for good. The work to protect young people has started. It needs to be more.

“Juliette’s impact on this world must be lasting change. Now is the time to ensure families are safe from the impact of meningitis B.”

Vinny Smith, chief executive of Meningitis Research Foundation, revealed that in 2015 the charity’s campaign for the menB vaccination to be “routinely available” on the NHS for all at-risk age groups was “not taken forward” as it was “judged not to be cost-effective”. The menB jab became available on the NHS for babies in 2015, which means the vast majority of young people born prior to that year remain unprotected against it unless they’ve paid for it privately.

The Kenny family were unaware that the vaccination isn’t routinely offered on the NHS for teenagers and young adults, and that accessing it would require private payment. Mr Smith urged the Government to “decide now to save lives” and emphasised menB’s “lifelong impact”, including disabilities resulting from the infection.

He stated: “When we made the case for menB vaccination to be routinely available on the NHS in 2015 for all at-risk age groups, wider protection for teenagers and young adults was not taken forward (it was judged to not be cost-effective within the criteria used at the time). Our concern, then and now, is that this has not fully reflected the impact of menB or the full value protection from a vaccine brings.

“It hasn’t accounted for the severity of meningitis, its lifelong impact, or the trauma and bereavement experienced by families. People across the country will have seen that impact this week; we believe the UK Government can decide now to save lives and limit the lifelong disabilities caused by meningitis, protecting people for generations to come.”

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has confirmed that as of 5pm on Wednesday, there have been 15 confirmed cases of meningitis, with an additional 12 under investigation. This brings the total to 27 suspected or confirmed cases, a rise from 20 on Wednesday.

At present, nine out of the 15 confirmed cases are known to be caused by menB. On Thursday, a letter signed by 40 MPs was sent to the Health Secretary, urging the Government and health officials to collaborate with universities nationwide on catch-up vaccination programmes and to enhance awareness.

The letter also called for a swift review by the joint committee on vaccination and immunisation (JCVI) regarding eligibility for meningitis vaccines. As of Thursday, the vaccine programme in Kent has been extended to anyone who visited the Club Chemistry venue from 5th to 15th March, year 12 and 13 pupils at affected schools, students and staff at the University of Kent and Canterbury Christ Church university, and close contacts of confirmed or suspected cases.

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Drive Motor Retail has invested over £2 million into redeveloping its Darlington site, introducing new partnerships with Citroën, Peugeot, Fiat, and Abarth, alongside Fiat Professional aftersales services.

The project marks the first major refurbishment of the dealership in more than 20 years.

Jeff Parkin, general manager at Drive Motor Retail Darlington, said: “This investment represents a major step forward for our Darlington site and reflects the growing demand in the area.

“The dealership hadn’t seen a full refurbishment for more than two decades, so this redevelopment allows us to completely modernise the site and bring together an exciting range of brands in one location.

“Customers will now be able to view and test drive vehicles from several leading manufacturers in one place, alongside our extensive selection of used cars.

“We’re also incredibly proud that this investment is creating new jobs locally, and we’re continuing to recruit talented technicians to support our service capabilities.”

The upgraded site will enable visitors to explore and test drive up to seven new vehicle brands and browse more than 130 used vehicles.

The development includes five dedicated showrooms, expanded workshop facilities, and increased service capacity following the relocation of the MOT bay and the addition of extra vehicle ramps. The project has already created 13 new jobs, with ongoing recruitment for vehicle technicians and master technicians.

For the first phase of the redevelopment, it will see the dealership become an authorised repairer for Citroën, Fiat, Fiat Professional, Abarth, and Peugeot from early April.

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Sales of new Peugeot vehicles will begin from 1 May, with the full brand line-up becoming available from 1 June.

The site will continue to offer vehicles from Vauxhall, Leapmotor, and MG, giving customers a wider range of options.

Further updates on the redevelopment and brand launches will be announced in the coming months.

Health chiefs are investigating 27 cases of meningitis linked to an outbreak in Kent, up from 20 previously, following an “explosive” outbreak that has left two dead.

The fatal outbreak of meningitis B has spread to a second Kent university. Leaders at Canterbury Christ Church University (CCCU) said there was one case of meningococcal disease involving a student there, linked to the initial cluster associated with Club Chemistry.

It has also been confirmed that a student in London who has been diagnosed with the illness is “directly linked” to the same outbreak. Escape Studios, an animation school in North Greenwich, confirmed the individual had been hospitalised.

Top doctors said it is unusual to see such a rapid spread of cases of meningitis, blaming a “super-spreader” event for the surge in numbers.

Some of the cases have been confirmed as meningitis B. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), which is investigating the outbreak, said it would confirm the strain seen in other cases “when we have the full results”.

Hundreds of people who visited Club Chemistry in Canterbury on 5, 6 or 7 March have been told to come forward for preventative antibiotic treatment as a “precautionary measure”, while a targeted vaccination drive for students at the University of Kent is being urgently rolled out.

An urgent public health alert has been issued, with officials urging NHS staff to be vigilant for signs and symptoms. People have also been warned that university students are particularly susceptible to the deadly infection.

Here are the symptoms of meningitis and what to do if you suspect you have the infection, according to the NHS.

What is meningitis?

Meningitis is an infection of the meninges, the protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord.

Meningitis affects around 2.3 million people globally every year. It’s estimated that up to one in every 10 cases of bacterial meningitis is fatal, according to the NHS.

Although anyone can get meningitis, it is more common in babies, children, teenagers and young adults.

What are the symptoms of meningitis?

Early warning signs of meningitis include a high temperature, headache, vomiting, diarrhoea, muscle pain and stomach cramps.

As the condition develops, it can make people drowsy, irritable and confused, as well as cause severe muscle pain, pale, blotchy skin, spots or a rash, stiff neck, an aversion to bright lights and convulsions or seizures.

Meningitis Now urges people not to wait until someone develops a rash and to seek medical help if someone is ill and displaying these symptoms.

What causes meningitis?

There are many different causes of meningitis, including viruses, bacteria and fungi. However, in the UK, viruses and bacteria are the most common causes.

Other causes of meningitis include some medicines or brain tumours. It can also occur following a skull fracture or head and neck surgery, according to Meningitis Now.

Bacterial meningitis is rarer but more serious than viral meningitis.

What are the different strains?

There are five main strains that cause the disease in the UK.

MenB is the most common and also the deadliest. Health officials have said that at least some cases of meningitis seen in Kent have been confirmed as meningitis B.

Other strains include MenA, MenC, MenW and MenY, which are also caused by bacteria.

What is meningitis B?

Meningitis B is a serious bacterial infection, which is caused by Neisseria meningitidis group B bacteria.

It can lead to severe illness, including meningitis, which is an infection in the brain and spinal cord, blood poisoning, and sepsis, a life-threatening reaction to an infection.

MenB, the most common cause of bacterial meningitis in the UK, is responsible for around nine in 10 of meningococcal infections in the country, according to Public Health Wales.

It is one of the most aggressive and dangerous strains of meningitis, causing the majority of meningococcal cases and deaths in the UK.

How does meningitis spread?

Infections that cause meningitis can be spread through coughing, sneezing or kissing.

It is usually caught from those who carry the viruses or bacteria in their nose or throat, or from someone with meningitis, although this is less common.

How serious is meningitis?

If it is not treated quickly, it can lead to sepsis, brain or nerve damage, hearing loss or even death.

Some with bacterial meningitis can be left with hearing or vision loss, problems with memory, fits or loss of limbs, even after being treated.

Can meningitis be treated?

Those with viral meningitis will usually get better on their own.

Most people with bacterial meningitis who are treated quickly will also make a full recovery. However, it usually needs to be treated in hospital for at least a week.

Treatments include antibiotics and fluids given directly into a vein or oxygen through a face mask.

Are there vaccines for meningitis?

There are vaccines available to prevent some types of meningitis, which are available as part of the UK routine immunisation schedule.

Vaccines include the menB, six-in-one, pneumococcal and MMRV vaccines for babies and children, while the MenACWY jabs are offered to teenagers, sixth-form students and new university students.

The menB vaccine is now offered to babies at two, three and 12 months.

Men W disease has historically been rare in the UK, but from 2009, cases of MenW began to increase year on year. From autumn 2015, a MenACWY vaccine replaced the MenC vaccine for children in school and is offered at around 14 years of age.

Any young person who has missed this vaccine at school remains eligible to receive it up to the age of 25. This is especially important for new university entrants, for whom the risk of contracting meningococcal disease increases.

A former health minister said the government should consider a “catch-up” vaccination campaign for young people.

Speaking of the latest outbreak on Tuesday, Helen Whately, Conservative MP for Faversham and Mid Kent, told Times Radio: “One of the things that the government (and) UKHSA will need to look at is if there is now a greater risk around this outbreak – and in future should there be some kind of vaccination catch-up for that group.”

What should you do if you think you have meningitis?

The NHS recommends that people call 999 for an ambulance or go to their nearest A&E. People are advised to trust their instincts, as someone with meningitis or sepsis can get a lot worse very quickly.

Michael Kenny’s daughter Juliette died from meningitis B on 14 March, just hours after first showing symptoms, prompting the family to campaign for better teenage vaccination access

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The father of a teenager who tragically died in Kent following a meningitis outbreak has shared the family’s deep sorrow over their loss.

Juliette Kenny passed away on Saturday, 14 March, just one day after first showing symptoms. Now, the family of the 18 year old is campaigning for better protection for young people.

Michael Kenny, Juliette’s father, has spoken about the grief his family is dealing with, saying that his daughter had been “fit, healthy and strong” before her sudden death. She had completed the practical assessment for her PE A-level on Thursday, 12 March – and just a day later, was showing symptoms including vomiting, and discolouration in her cheeks.

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Juliette, who was described by her father as having a “beautifully positive energy”, is one of two students who have sadly died following the outbreak of meningitis B in the county. Mr Kenny stated that “no family should experience this pain and tragedy” and that “this can be avoided”, adding that he wanted his daughter’s legacy to be “lasting change”.

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This comes as more than 100 students in Kent were turned away whilst trying to get a meningitis vaccine after officials closed the queue on Thursday.

In a statement given to the Press Association, Mr Kenny expressed: “We are incredibly proud parents to two wonderful daughters. Juliette is a force in this world. With her beautifully positive energy she spread fun, love and happiness to those around her and she continues to do so now.

“The devastation of her loss to us, her family and friends is immeasurable. Sharing stories of the empathy, warmth and fun that she created is helping her family and friends through at this time. Her energy continues to make the people who love her find a way.

“The illness took her from us so quickly.”

Mr Kenny detailed how he first became aware of his daughter’s illness when she was sick during the early hours of Friday, March 13. At that stage, Juliette, a year 13 student at Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School in Faversham, displayed no other symptoms, he added.

“In the morning on Friday, she was taken, by us, to our local emergency drop-in as a discolouration appeared on her cheeks,” Mr Kenny explained.

“She was given antibiotics and sent by ambulance to AandE. Juliette fought bravely for hours, but despite the fantastic NHS hospital staff fighting alongside her, meningitis took her from us less than 12 hours later.

“We were with her at the end, and the last sounds that she heard were the voices of those who loved her telling her how very much loved and cherished she is.”

In collaboration with the Meningitis Research Foundation, Mr Kenny and his family are calling on the UK to take immediate steps to enhance access to the menB vaccination for teenagers and young people.

“No family should experience this pain and tragedy,” he expressed.

“This can be avoided. There are young people currently battling this and young people still at risk.

“As parents, we knew our children would change the world and be a force for good. The work to protect young people has started. It needs to be more.

“Juliette’s impact on this world must be lasting change. Now is the time to ensure families are safe from the impact of meningitis B.”

Vinny Smith, chief executive of Meningitis Research Foundation, revealed that in 2015 the charity’s calls for the menB vaccination to be “routinely available” on the NHS for all at-risk age groups was “not taken forward” as it was “judged not to be cost-effective”. The menB jab was introduced on the NHS for babies in 2015, meaning the majority of young people born before then are not protected against it unless they have had the jab privately.

The Kenny family were not aware that the vaccination is not routinely available on the NHS for teenagers and young adults, and that to have this they would need to pay for it privately. Mr Smith urged the Government to “decide now to save lives” and highlighted menB’s “lifelong impact”, including disabilities caused by the bug.

He stated: “When we made the case for menB vaccination to be routinely available on the NHS in 2015 for all at-risk age groups, wider protection for teenagers and young adults was not taken forward (it was judged to not be cost-effective within the criteria used at the time). Our concern, then and now, is that this has not fully reflected the impact of menB or the full value protection from a vaccine brings.

“It hasn’t accounted for the severity of meningitis, its lifelong impact, or the trauma and bereavement experienced by families. People across the country will have seen that impact this week; we believe the UK Government can decide now to save lives and limit the lifelong disabilities caused by meningitis, protecting people for generations to come.”

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) confirmed that as of 5pm on Wednesday, 15 cases of meningitis have been verified with a further 12 currently being investigated. This takes the total to 27 cases of either confirmed or suspected meningitis, an increase from 20 on Wednesday.

Currently, nine of the 15 confirmed cases are understood to be caused by menB. On Thursday, 40 MPs put their names to a letter sent to the Health Secretary calling on the Government and health officials to work with universities across the country on catch-up vaccination programmes, and to improve awareness.

The letter further indicated that the joint committee on vaccination and immunisation (JCVI) should promptly review eligibility for meningitis vaccines. As of Thursday, the vaccine programme in Kent has been expanded to include anyone who visited Club Chemistry between 5th and 15th March, year 12 and 13 pupils at impacted schools, students and staff at the University of Kent and Canterbury Christ Church university, as well as close contacts of confirmed or suspected cases.