CLOSE friends of a teenager who died of meningitis are hosting a charity fundraiser in her memory.

Jake Wilson and Em Holtby, who are 20 and live in Kirkbymoorside, are organising the event in aid of international charity Meningitis Research Foundation (MRF).

Their childhood friend, Lois Phelps, contracted meningitis in October 2009 and died within 24 hours, aged 13.

Jake said: “Lois came home from school feeling ill, with flu-like symptoms and went to bed early. As she had flu the previous week, her parents initially thought nothing of it.

"During the night, they realised how seriously ill she was and called an ambulance. The paramedics stayed on the phone until the ambulance arrived.

"She was rushed to the emergency department and diagnosed with meningococcal disease and septicaemia, which caused cardiac arrest and shock. Lois died during the early hours of the morning."

Em said she and Lois were very close during primary school and the first years at Ryedale School, spending almost every lesson and break together.

"Lois was so caring, she was voted the kindest person in her tutor group," she said.

"Both of our parents were good friends with Lois’s mum, so we used to hang out at each other’s houses and generally act like misfits in front of our parents.

"We have chosen to fundraise for MRF to show our support for all victims of this illness – past, present and future.

"We wouldn’t wish for anyone else to go through what we, Lois’s friends and of course her family have been through. We hope to raise awareness of meningitis to prevent more cases like this one.”

Vinny Smith, chief executive at Meningitis Research Foundation, said: “We are extremely grateful to Jake and Em for choosing to support us.

"As they are sadly aware, meningitis and septicaemia are deadly diseases which can strike without warning, sometimes killing in hours, and leaving some survivors with life-changing after effects.

"We rely on voluntary donations to fund our vital work into the prevention, detection and treatment of the diseases and support those affected, so every penny they raise through this fundraiser will make a huge difference to the charity.”

The event is being held on Friday at the Black Swan, Kirkbymoorside, and will feature two live bands, a knockout pool league, a barbecue and a raffle. Entry is free.

For information on the signs and symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia, you can phone the freephone helpline on 080 8800 3344, or visit meningitis.org