CLAIRE'S STORY The Claire Taylor Trust Fund was set up in memory of teenager Claire Taylor, who, after a six week struggle against a deadly strain of Meningitis, lost a courageous battle. It is hoped that by raising funds in her name it will raise awareness of Meningitis, and provide support in the many cases of childhood illness, injury and abuse. Claire Taylor was a happy healthy teenager, having just completed her GCSE exams she was looking forward to a career in the army. Tragically just weeks before her seventeenth birthday Claire was stuck down with the deadly and in this case fatal B strain Meningitis Septicaemia. Claire was rushed to hospital where staff battled to save her life. At one point her heart stopped and she was read her last rites before she was revived by doctors. The days and weeks that followed served only to highlight her courage and willpower. Kept alive by a life support machine, Claire spent four weeks struggling with the aftermath of Meningitis in a coma. After coming out of her coma Claire was able to see and speak to her family, inquiring after her beloved horse Star, and eager fort news about her own and friends impending GCSE results. Her family were heartened by this and medical staff began looking forward to the mammoth recovery task that was ahead of them. During the last week of her life, Claire's strength fought through as she underwent several major operations, including operations to amputate both arms and legs. Tragically Claire died just days before her seventeenth birthday, the extent of her internal injuries overcoming her. Claire's fight for life embodies the beliefs of the trust fund set up in the event of her death. That with effective support children can display enormous strength in the face of adversity.