A SPECIAL event is being held in Tavistock next month in memory of a young Horrabridge girl who suddenly died from meningitis nearly four years ago.
Claire contracted the disease in 1997 aged 17 — her parents Ann Husk and Fred Tribe are organising a bridge tournament to raise funds for the National Meningitis Trust.
Players are being invited to play in a competition for the top prize, the Claire Tribe Memorial Trophy.
Claire died within days of contracting the killer disease.
'She appeared to have flu and stayed in bed,' said her mother.
'That afternoon she was found unconscious in the bathroom. She was admitted to hospital.
'By Saturday we knew it was meningitis.
Ann said by the Sunday morning the diagnosis had been checked and double-checked.
'At Sunday lunchtime the respirator was turned off.
'Three days before she had been healthy and vibrant,' she said.
March 2001 would have been Claire's 21st birthday and to mark the occasion her parents decided to organise the fund-raising event.
Up to 80 local people are expected to take part in the tournament, which takes place at the Ordulph Arms in Tavistock on March 11.
The competition is being arranged by John Pain, a national bridge tournament director.
The organisers are appealing to local businesses to offer a raffle prize of no more than £5 in value and to local people to make donations to the trust.
The cost of entry is £32 per team, to include supper.
Players of all levels are invited. The event is expected to end with the presentation of prizes at 9pm.
Inquiries to Ann Husk, 5 Church Park, Horrabridge, Devon PL20 7UD, phone 01822 852366.