“She didn’t walk, she glided.”

These are the words used to describe 16-year-old Caitlin Baker who died after a short battle with meningitis.

Paramedics were called to Barnhurst Path, in South Oxhey, on Monday afternoon after the teenager fell into cardiac arrest. They spent two hours trying to revive her, but she died at the scene.

Caitlin, who attended Haydon School, had complained of headaches and illness for the past few weeks, but unknown to her and her family, the teenager was suffering from bacterial meningitis.

On the day that she died, she told her mother, Tammy, that she was feeling very unwell. But in the time that Tammy had gone to feed her two-year-old brother Ashley, Caitlin had died.

Caitlin was a grade A student who adored acting and loved to cook. Her dream was to finish school and travel the world – the place she wanted to visit most was Bali.

Her aunts and grandmother have described how she “found happiness” in the past few months of her life, falling in with a great circle of friends and finding love.

“She was just amazing. She really was an angel, beautiful inside and out and she will be so missed”, her aunts said.

“She left a lasting impression on every single person that she met. She never realised her own beauty and that was what was so incredible about her.

“Even when she was growing up, if she ever visited the shops she would come back with a gift for everyone.”

Her aunts said she "absolutely adored her family" and "would do anything for anyone" - she could not wait to learn to drive so that she could take her nieces and nephews on day trips.

“She would be there for anyone – you could always rely on Caitlin.

“She was so hardworking and gave her all to everything."

Until this morning, Caitlin’s family had no idea what was causing her illness. They are now urging parents to not ignore symptoms and to always take children to the doctor if they are suffering.

"We really want to awareness about this horrible illness. Please, if your children are complaining of headaches or have a rash, take them to a doctor immediately.

"Caitlin will be so dearly missed and no one else should go through this."

Tammy also wants to thank all the "incredible" emergency services, who were "absolutely amazing".

Caitlin leaves mother Tammy, her mother's partner, Jason, brother Ashley and stepbrother Lewis.

If you suspect someone you know has meningitis, call 0808 801 0388.