Meningitis claims life of Birkenhead High School Academy student Daisy Metcalfe, 15

Jan 16 2013 by Ben Turner, Birkenhead News

A WIRRAL schoolgirl has died from meningitis.

Birkenhead High School Academy student Daisy Metcalfe, 15, from Wallasey, died surrounded by family in hospital on Friday.

Her school led tributes to the “gifted young musician”.

It also moved quickly to comfort grieving classmates left stunned at the death of the teenager.

Daisy was killed by the bacterial infection pneumococcal meningitis which causes inflammation of the lining around the brain and spinal cord.

The Health Protection Agency said pneumococcal meningitis is not infectious so no further action was necessary and Daisy’s fellow pupils could attend school as normal.

Paying tribute to Daisy, who also has a younger sister in the Prenton school, headteacher Christine Mann said she was “a kind and conscientious person who would always put the interests of others before her own”.

The much-loved teen joined the school in 2009.

Daisy’s love of music saw her play in a host of school music ensembles and she could effortlessly switch between trumpet, tenor and French horn.

Her recent contributions included performing a fanfare at a prize-giving event at Liverpool Anglican Cathedral in November last year.

She was also asked to perform a poignant rendition of the Last Post for junior school pupils in the build up to Remembrance Sunday.

Mrs Mann said: “Daisy was an immensely talented individual who approached all aspects of her life with a confidence and determination beyond her years, and with a wonderful sense of humour.

“Daisy was quite simply a joy to know and was much loved by everyone who knew her. She will be deeply missed.”

Mrs Mann said the school held a minute’s silence to “reflect on Daisy’s life” during a special assembly.

It also set up a teacher-supervised “quiet room” allowing pupils some time-out and support if things got too much for them.

A book of condolence has been opened and Mrs Mann said pupils had already spoken of the prospect of a lasting tribute to Daisy which the school would discuss with her family.