Limeside family of Layla-Rose Ermenekli vow to fight on in memory of six-year-old dancing angel

Ricky and Kirsty Ermenekli want families to know about meningitis - in all its forms - after an inquest found their six-year-old daughter's death could have been avoided.

Layla-Rose died on February 4, 2017, of meningitis meningococcal and septicemia after being rushed to the Royal Oldham Hospital with a high temperature, headache and stomach ache.

Over the last 12 months, her parents, from Limeside, have met with Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt, lobbied MPs, campaigned for Layla's Law - to see the MenB vaccine extended to all children, and most recently, set up a meningococcal meningitis working group.

Kirsty said: "Although we are going through heartache, we want to get this out there.

"We want to work out why there are these failings in the NHS, why things are not being spotted when they should be, and we want to secure better treatment for meningococcal septicaemia.

"We need parents to know that if they feel strongly about something, let it be heard."

Ricky said: "We want families to know about meningitis. We are going to fight for this.

"We didn't even know about MenB. When this happened, we asked why because Layla-Rose had had her injection. But we now know there are many different strands.

"We want to get the vaccine for other kids.

"This is about kids' lives. It has happened to us. We do not want it to happen to other families.

"It is horrible when you lose your child. It is the hardest thing that has ever happened in my life.

"Especially when every night, my daughter comes to me crying.

"There are little triggers that make you upset. It is horrible."

Kirsty has formed the working group with representatives from two other families who have lost loved ones due to meningitis - the families of Bristol teenagers Izzy Gentry, aged 16, and George Zographou, aged 18.

A representative from each family has joined the group which is working alongside charities Meningitis Now and Meningitis Research Foundation.

The group, chaired by Professor Jonathan Van-Tam, is made up of medical staff, clinical leads, Government health bosses and other key influencers.

John Pollitt, solicitor at Pearsons, said: "This is a terribly sad case involving the loss of a much-loved daughter and sister.

"Layla-Rose's mum and dad sincerely hope that these events will make it less likely that any child presenting in similar circumstances suffers the same outcome.

"They hope that their campaign for the MenB vaccine will result in greater patient safety for all children in the future."

A report is being drawn up for Mr Hunt, with recommendations based on the families' experiences.

Kirsty said: "I have called for them to listen to parents. There needs to be clear communication and training throughout the NHS.

"At the moment, this group isn't campaigning for the MenB vaccine specifically but it is a start.

"This is about making overall improvements in care until we can get the vaccination.

"We want MenB for all children but the main issue is recognising it."

The family said they are 'even more heartbroken' after a coroner ruled Layla-Rose's death could have been avoided.

Pennine Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, which oversees the Royal Oldham, apologised to the family for several 'missed opportunities'.

Several care practices have been improved within the hospital's paediatric and A&E departments as a result of Layla-Rose's death in efforts to prevent a reoccurrence and to ensure patient safety.

Kirsty said: "I had been blaming myself since it happened, asking myself whether I should have taken her earlier. But now I know I did everything I should have done.

"I know it was not me who let her down."

Ricky, who works at Servicecare in Hollinwood, said: "We are angry and upset but we know now we have done everything we could have.

"It all comes down to time. If you miss it by an hour, that is it.

"We tried our best getting her to the hospital. We didn't even wait for the NHS 111 call handlers to come back to us. We agreed Kirsty should just go and I stayed at home with the children."

Ricky was woken in the night by Kirsty's sister with the news that Layla-Rose had died.

He said: "She told me her heart had stopped. I went into complete shock.

"They said she wasn't coming back."

The dad-of-three who is originally from Konya near Karaman, in Turkey, recalled a lasting memory of time spent with his 'cheeky' and 'feisty' daughter. She had been playing out with her older sister Melika, aged 10.

Ricky said: "I told her she had to come home because it was getting dark. She was kicking me in the street, punching me, scratching me, everything. She had a right temper. Everyone was looking at me."

Layla-Rose will also be remembered for her participation in Collettes Dance Troupe - where her mum used to dance, and Melika is a member.

Ricky first met Kirsty when she travelled to Marmaris, in Turkey, for a family holiday in 2003, and he was working in a restaurant bar. The couple were engaged and married in October 2004.

They have made their home in Limeside - where Kirsty grew up.

Kirsty, who is currently expecting her fifth child, said: "All our children were born in this house - I requested home births for all of them."

The couple also have Emrae, aged two, and Laylan, who is 10 months old.

Kirsty, a beautician at David John hairdressing salon, said: "We haven't really got a lot of room but we would rather struggle than leave this home."

Ricky added: "We never want to leave here. It is all memories this house."

A special garden has been created at the family home to pay tribute to Layla-Rose, and a keepsakes cabinet has been filled with meaningful belongings.

The items include a hand-written letter from Layla-Rose's best friend and fellow pupil at Oasis Academy Limeside, seven-year-old Evie Carr.

The couple expressed huge thanks to family, friends, dance troupes and community members who have rallied round them in the past year.

Kirsty said: "We would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who has supported us. They have all been there for us."