The parents of a little girl from Glastonbury who died suddenly from meningitis say they have been overwhelmed with messages of support and kindness.

Jasmine Clare died in Yeovil District Council following a short battle against meningitis on January 9.

She was sent home from St John's Infant School at lunchtime on January 8 with flu-like symptoms at 1.30pm. Her condition deteriorated to such an extent that her parents Simon and Dina, 38, called an ambulance at 10.30pm. Paramedics rushed her to Yeovil District Hospital, where doctors diagnosed meningitis.

Jasmine was due to be transferred to Bristol Children's Hospital but doctors were unable to save her.

She died in the early hours of Saturday morning – just 12 hours after falling ill.

The family say they have been overwhelmed with messages of support from all over the UK, with a Facebook group set up by Jasmine's sister Ellie already attracting over 2,000 members, many of whom have shared their sympathy, and their own stories of meningitis.

"If we can raise awareness through this group, and all the members tell their friends, we can help to get the message out to hundreds and thousands of people," said Simon Clare, Jasmine's father.

"And if all of those people donated just £1 to Meningitis UK, we could raise so much money to help research and find a vaccine for this horrible disease.

"We have all been made aware of the symptoms of meningitis, but as I have now learned, these symptoms only show in the last stages of the disease, and in most cases the damage has already been done.

"If we can help save a life or support the search for a vaccine for meningitis so no-one has to suffer the pain of losing a child, it would be a fabulous achievement and a wonderful way to remember Jasmine.

"She was such a lovely girl and never had a bad word to say to anyone." A memorial service for Jasmine will be held at St John's Church, Glastonbury on Thursday, January 28, at 2pm.

The family are asking that anyone who wishes to give a donation in Jasmine's memory send a cheque made payable to Forsey and Son to Forsey and Son Funeral Directors, 28 High Street, Butleigh, Somerset, BA6 8SY.

Donations will be split between Meningitis UK and Secret World Wildlife Rescue Centre.