Tributes have been paid to a “role model” teenager who died after contracting meningitis.
Patrick Clunas, 19, from Rosyth, passed away on Saturday after being admitted to the intensive care unit of the VictoriaHospital in Kirkcaldy just 48 hours earlier.
The dockyard worker and formerSt Columba’s High pupil came down with symptoms of the condition on Wednesday after finishing a shift working on the Royal Navy’s new aircraft carriers.
His father John told TheCourier that while the family were still coming to terms with Patrick’s death, he had been touched by the huge number of tributes paid to his son.
“He was a cheeky wee boy before he joined the Sea Cadets at the age of 10,” he said.“The whole organisation has paid tribute to Patrick.
“We’ve had messages from as far away as Bermuda and that has been overwhelming.”
The popular teenager first fell ill on Wednesday morning.
An enthusiastic member of the Queensferry Sea Cadets, he had recently joined the Royal Naval Reserve and was contemplating a full-time career in the navy.
Describing how quickly his son’scondition deteriorated, his father said: “He had been on the night shift on Tuesday and came home on Wednesday morning.
“He went to bed and when he woke uphe said that he had a headache and feltcold.
“I called the doctor who came to the house and called an ambulance saying that it was possible viral meningitis.”
After being taken to the VictoriaHospital, Patrick was initially sent home.
However, his condition continued to deteriorate and he was re-admitted to the Victoria on Thursday.
He died in the intensive care unit onSaturday.
Friends have turned to social mediato pay tribute to Patrick, while theQueensferry and District Sea Cadets are to hold a special memorial in honour of one of its most distinguished members.
Colin Butcher, commanding officer of the unit, said that Patrick had wanted to be a Sea Cadets instructor.
“Patrick was a role model to other cadets,” said Mr Butcher.“He loved sailing in particular.
“We will say some prayers together and lower our flag to half-mast before having a moment to talk things through.”