THE death of a bubbly Suffolk schoolgirl from meningitis six years ago has prompted one of her former classmates to do a parachute jump for the Meningitis Research charity.

By Tracey Sparling

THE death of a bubbly Suffolk schoolgirl from meningitis six years ago has prompted one of her former classmates to do a parachute jump for the Meningitis Research charity.

Simon Hall, 24, of Capel St Mary, has never forgotten Abigail Jay, after meeting her when the two were at Chantry sixth form college.

But sadly Abigail, of Wades Lane, Shotley, died from meningitis in February 1995, when she was just 16.

Mr Hall said: "Everybody knew her. No-one ever had a bad word to say about her. She always had time for people. Even if she was busy she would give you support."

When he told Abigail's father, Graham Jay, Mr Hall received enthusiastic support for his plan, and Mr Jay even offered to help with a small amount of sponsorship.

Mr Jay said: "It's nice to know that some of her friends still think of her. A relative did a parachute jump shortly after she died and it was one thing Abigail had always wanted to do, so he carried her picture when he did the jump. If someone else is doing it in her memory it's appropriate. She had a lot of ambitions and things she intended to do. She was a wonderful girl. We couldn't have wished for a better daughter."

Now Mr Hall, who works in the accounts department at Colchester-based State Chemical mfg Europe, has persuaded nine colleagues to join him and is appealing for help with sponsorship.

Anyone who can help with sponsorship should either contact Simon Hall c/o State Chemical mfg Europe, 1-4 Eaglegate, East Hill, Colchester, CO1 2PR, or e-mail him at SHall@state-europe.com