‘Brilliant musician’ schoolgirl killed by meningitis
TRIBUTES TO MUCH-LOVED 16-YEAR-OLD
A SCHOOLGIRL from Salford has died after contracting meningitis.
Tributes have been paid to 16-yearold Joanna Yates who passed away this week.
The teenager was a student at Canon Slade School in Bolton and was due to sit her GCSE exams this summer.
Joanna has been described by friends as a ‘talented artist, singer and musician,’ who was also a big part of the church community in Monton, Eccles.
It is understood she died in hospital just a day after getting the virus.
A fundraising page was set up in her memory to raise money for charity Meningitis Now and has already raised more than £500 in just 24 hours.
Close pal Freya Jade Rushworth, who launched the appeal, wrote on the page: “A brilliant, talented artist, singer and musician. Most importantly, a blessing to many lives. Her presence simply paralleled radiance and love. Despite struggling with so many obstacles in her life, she fought through with a smile on her face and spent countless hours brightening the lives of everyone around her.
“Most unfortunately, Joanna was taken from us at the mere age of 16 when she fell ill with meningitis suddenly. Within a day, the virus had aggressively made its cruel impact and stolen away our best friend. As you can imagine, this broke the hearts of her friends and family all over Manchester.
“Joanna wasn’t just a friend to me – she was the perfect sleepover buddy, the funniest meme sharing queen, that gentle voice when you were at your lowest and that confidence boost to keep you going. She was also an amazing metal head that was obsessed with the thrill of each gig. I’ll never forget crowd surfing holding hands with her to Amon Amarth. Collecting money towards MeningitisNow.org is what we aim to achieve with this page to support others in need.
“Joanna would have loved to keep on giving through out her life and it’s our responsibility to continue that.”
Tributes for Joanna have been pouring in on social media.
Emma Corbett posted on Facebook: “Rest in peace Joanna Yates you are an angel.” Alex Mancini shared a photo of himself and Joanna, writing: “I love you so much Joanna Yates you’re my best friend I cant believe that your gone all the memories will never die. I love you so much.”
To donate to the GoFundMe page visit www.gofundme.com/remembering-joanna-yates.