Family organise 345-mile hike in memory of Wirral teenager Daisy Metcalfe (From Wirral Globe)

Family organise 345-mile hike in memory of Wirral teenager Daisy Metcalfe

4:11pm Wednesday 20th March 2013 in News Exclusive By Stephanie Cureton

THE family of a talented teenager who lost her fight with meningitis are set to take on a mammoth trek in her memory.

Fifteen-year-old Daisy Metcalfe, from Wallasey, passed away in January from pneumococcal meningitis after being diagnosed less than a week previously.

And now her parents, Debbie and Brian, have organised a 345-mile walk from Wirral to Aberdeen in aid of Meningitis UK.

The event, ‘Daisy Chain,’ will be a chance for the youngster’s family and friends to keep her memory alive as well as encouraging others to get involved along the way.

Taking place from August 17 – 30, the relay-type walk will allow participants to take part in as much of it as they like before a massive celebration at one of Daisy’s favourite’s childhood haunts.

The event will culminate at Seaton Park in Aberdeen on August 31 to mark the fun which the Birkenhead High School student enjoyed there.

Debbie, who is also mum to six-year-old Ruby, said: “We wanted to do something special in memory of Daisy while also raising some money for a good cause and the idea has now snowballed into this massive event!

“Daisy only passed away a few months ago but the way I see it is that I either do this or do nothing – it’s giving me a focus and a project to put my energy into.

“It feels like I’m still fighting for her just like we were when she was in hospital and I want everyone to know how truly wonderful she was.”

Following her death, Daisy’s headteacher told of her many musical talents and her “quiet, gentle” nature, while students took part in a special assembly in her memory.

The Health Protection Agency also issued advice to parents on how to spot the signs of the virus.

And Debbie, 33, said Daisy Chain is also a way to raise awareness meningitis among teenagers and has hopes to organise it each year.

She said: “The particular type of meningitis that Daisy had is actually more common in babies so we want people to know about it. Daisy was the most beautiful, friendly girl you could meet. She was so brave right up until the end and kept us all going.

“If this goes well, we have every intention to hold a Daisy Chain annually to keep fighting for her.”

Debbie and Brian are holding an open day at Harrison Hall, Harrison Drive, Wallasey on May 19 from 2pm-4pm where people can find out more about the route.

For more information visit the event’s Facebook page via http://www.facebook.com/#!/daisychain2013?fref=ts