A CARING teenager who died of meningitis is continuing to help others after her family agreed to donate her organs.

Canon Slade pupil, 16-year-old Joanna Yates, died on Wednesday last week, deteriorating quickly after contracting bacterial meningitis.

"The speed with which she deteriorated was shocking and took the hospital staff completely by surprise," said her father, Ian Yates.

"Sadly, due to the severity of the infection, she had no chance."

Joanna's parents, Ian and Wendy, took the decision to allow her organs to be used to help other people as they are certain it was something she would want.

"Joanna would not have hesitated to volunteer to be an organ donor, as a vegetarian with strong beliefs and a caring , compassionate personality," said Mr Yates.

Joanna, a Year 11 pupil, was about to take her GCSEs, even studying maths revision on her last morning at her Salford home before she became unwell.

"She lived life to the full, loved her friends, especially boyfriend Matty, who made her so happy," said Mr Yates.

He added that Joanna loved Manchester and especially liked going to gigs – just last week she was in the mosh pit at an Anthrax concert.

The talented teenager, who survived a horrific road accident four years ago, was a gifted musician, singing and playing piano, violin and viola.

From an early age she attended the Music and Performing Arts Service of Salford.

She also loved to dance, spending years attending the Joanne Farnell School of Dancing, and excelled at art and baking.

"She achieved an awful lot in her short life and saw a lot of what life can throw at you, both good and bad — more than most 16 year olds," said Mr Yates.

"We will never see her fulfil her potential and that is one of the hardest things to cope with. We are utterly devastated."

He added that the family, including Joanna's brother Denholm, will always love and miss her.

"What we do have are many memories of our kind, sweet, warm, generous, beautiful Joanna," said Mr Yates.

"We have had so much support from our family, friends and work colleagues it has been overwhelming."

Details of Joanna’s funeral will follow in due course.

Tributes to Canon Slade School pupil Joanna Yates who died after contracting meningitis

In the meantime friends have been fundraising for the Meningitis Now charity in her memory have already collected £1,310 via gofundme.com.

Pal Freya Rushworth, who set up the fundraising page described Joanna as “a blessing to so many lives.

“Her presence simply paralleled radiance and love.”

She added: “Joanna would have loved to keep on giving throughout her life and it's our responsibility to continue that.”