KILLER VIRUS TAKES TAYLOR

“Hug your families tight for you never know what tomorrow will bring.” TAYLOR’ S FAMILY

A HEARTBROKEN family has paid tribute to “special angel” Taylor Henry who died on Thursday surrounded by family after contracting a super virus last month.

The devastated parents of 13-year-old Taylor, pictured, have urged parents to “hug your families tight” after the sudden loss of their “angel”.

The bright teenager has been widely remembered as a “beautiful girl” who “fought hard” by shocked family and friends struggling to comprehend her death.

The Newcomb Secondary College student was the daughter of Mark and Paula Henry and sister to Montana, Riley, Lachlan and Charlie.

A month ago Taylor had been enjoying an active summer holidays that included frequent trips to a trampoline park and a family holiday to Echuca when she fell ill.

On January 22, mum Paula took Taylor, who was vomiting, to her GP. She was immediately sent to Geelong hospital emergency department and later taken by ambulance to the Royal Children’s Hospital.

Doctors found an unknown virus had severely damaged her heart muscles causing Myocarditis. She was placed in an induced coma and spent 22 days on life support, but ultimately doctors were unable to save her.

In a written statement Taylor’s family members paid tribute to their “baby girl”.

“It is with extreme sadness that we have to share that Taylor passed away earlier (on Thursday),” the family wrote.

“She is at peace now and doesn’t have to fight anymore. She will soar up as high and bright as the stars,

“We all now have a special angel watching over us.”

The family said Taylor’s illness showed life should not be taken for granted.

“Hug your families tight for you never know what tomorrow will bring,” they said. “May you soar up high as we know you will, forever in our hearts love you Taylor.”

Newcomb Secondary College principal Phil Honeywell said the school community was “deeply saddened” by the death of an active and fun-loving student who was about to start Year 8.

“Taylor was an active, funloving young person,” Mr Honeywell said. “Her peers and teachers are deeply shocked and saddened.”

Mr Honeywell said staff were focused on providing support to grief-stricken students who had been organising a fundraiser for Taylor before she died.

An official school statement read: “It is with heavy hearts that we share with our school community the very sad news that one of our Year 8 students, Taylor Henry, passed away at the Royal Children’s Hospital.

“At the time of her passing, Taylor was surrounded by her family. Our thoughts are with Taylor’s family and friends at this difficult time.”

Taylor’s aunt, Judy Frischot, spoke to the Geelong Advertiser on Tuesday after an outpouring of support for Taylor’s plight. Numerous fundraising campaigns were set up including a GoFundMe.

The family thanked the Royal Children’s Hospital for “amazing support” and the members of the community who had assisted.