THE memory of Karis May Darling lives on.

And her legacy grows.

Karis May passed away when she was just 12 years old after contracting streptococcal A (an invasive infection which caused her to develop meningitis).

I remember the terrible story at the time - and the uplifting aftermath.

Because in death Karis May managed to save not one, or two, but five lives by donating her organs – her heart, liver, kidneys and pancreas.

In life she was determined to help others and her gifts after she passed away served as a fantastic advert for organ donation.

She would have been 21-years-old this year, and her legacy continues to grow.

Her hard-working parents John and Kerri now dedicate a lot of their time to helping others too. They launched The Karis May Darling Foundation in Karis May’s honour and have achieved many things in her name, including the building of a community centre in Corringham, five years ago.

And on Saturday, the foundation hosted its ninth consecutive variety day, attended by about 6,000 people.

That’s quite some feat.

The foundation’s principle goal is helping underprivileged children achieve their aspirations. It’s fitting to see such a worthy cause going from strength-tostrength.