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Leeds mum remembered by loved ones

22.7.11

THE life of a "special" mum of two from Leeds who lost her battle with meningitis was celebrated by her family and friends in support of vaccine research.

Katie Savill has raised £4,800 for Meningitis UK in memory of her best friend Jazz Gakhal who sadly died aged 42 in July 2010.

The consultant who treated Jazz told her husband Ragbhir it was the worst case of meningitis he had seen.

Jazz, who worked as a trainer in the financial sector, had woken up early in the morning with a painful headache. After speaking to NHS Direct, her husband took her to hospital but she sadly died at 5pm that day.

Paying tribute, Katie said: "Jazz had an infectious laugh and could light up a room with her smile. I wanted to support Meningitis UK by holding an evening in her memory and to help other families who carry on their lives like Jazz's family without a wife and mother.

"I always associated meningitis with younger people and did not realise how it can take over and kill within hours. I wanted to help donate to the Search 4 a Vaccine Campaign so people can be vaccinated against this horrendous disease.

"The event was overwhelming as everything went to plan. The feedback was so positive that people asked if I could make this an annual event."

Katie, who works for the criminal justice system threw an evening of Indian food with live music from a 12-piece band.

She added: "I wanted to do the event, as I had not come to terms with losing Jazz. We brought the best out in each other and always guaranteed to have such a good laugh together. We have always been there for each other over the last 20 years.

"I described Jazz in my speech as my four leaf clover, not always easy to find, but once you find one, you never want to let go."

Jazz left behind two children – Aaron, 20, and Raveen, 14. Her family were at the evening at Snaith Sports Hall on Saturday July 16.

Successful vaccines exist against some forms of meningitis, including Hib, Meningitis C and pneumococcal meningitis but there is still no vaccine for all forms of meningitis, including Meningitis B, which is the most common strain in this country.

Steve Dayman, who founded Meningitis UK after his son Spencer died from the disease, said:

"Katie did a great job organising this special evening in memory of Jazz and we are so grateful for the support.

"Our ultimate goal is to spare people the heartache of losing a loved one to the disease. Every penny raised from the evening will go towards our single focus – to find a vaccine to eradicate meningitis."

For more information about Meningitis UK, or to make a donation, please call 0117 373 7373 or visit www.meningitisUK.org.