Patrick Clunas (19) was admitted to Victoria Hospital with the deadly disease before his condition deteriorated and he passed away.

Dad John said, “He was taken in on Thursday and by Saturday he was gone.

“It just happened so quickly. He just deteriorated and they tried their best but he didn’t make it through.” The former St Columba’s High School pupil was a member of the Queensferry Sea Cadets and his family are choosing to honour his love for open water by scattering his ashes out to sea, saying it’s “what he would have wanted”.

“He really loved sailing,” said John. “He was going on a course to become an instructor and he was meant to start that next week.

“We’re going to scatter ashes in the Forth. We’ll go out on a sailing boat, he would have loved that. It’s what he would have wanted.” Since Patrick’s death, tributes have been pouring in on social media from all over the world and John thinks it’s a testament to how well loved the teenager was.

“The responses we’re getting are coming in from everywhere - from all over the UK and even as far away as Bermuda,” he said. “He’ll be a sadly missed wee guy.

“He’s got a really big family on both sides, lots of brothers and sisters. It’s going to be a really huge day at his funeral next week. They’ve all been in the sea cadets together at one point or another, since they could walk and talk! It was a big part of his life.” Patrick worked at Rosyth Dockyard and joined the Royal Navy Reserves last year with dreams of pursuing a full-time career in the navy before his life was tragically cut short. After falling ill and complaining of a severe headache, he was admitted to hospital and died after a short battle with the disease.

His commanding officer at the sea cadets, Colin Butcher, paid fond tribute to the “cheeky wee bugger” who put a smile on so many people’s faces.

“He always had a cheeky grin, both as a cadet and an adult,” he said. “He was well liked and always at the centre of the group.

“It’s such a shock to lose him so quickly. He has sisters, nieces and nephews in the unit so it’s quite a big loss to the sea cadets.

“He’s been part of it practically since he was born. When he was old enough he became a member of staff and everyone looked up to him, he was a good role model.

“He will be missed.

“He was very good at sailing. He had a disco hobby too and put on some cadet discos.

“We had our first parade since he died this week and we shared our memories of him, said our prayers and put the flag at half mast.” A spokesperson for Babcock International said, “Our thoughts are with Patrick’s family, friends and his G4S colleagues at this sad time.” Patrick’s funeral will take place at Dunfermline Crematorium on Wednesday and the family are giving donations in lieu to the Meningitis Trust and Queensferry Sea Cadets.

Family and friends have been offered antibiotics to reduce the chance of more infections and Dr Charles Saunders, consultant in public health medicine, said, “This is a very sad event and I would like to extend my sympathies to this young man’s family and friends.

“Symptoms of meningococcal disease can include fever or vomiting, severe headache, stiff neck, dislike of bright lights, drowsiness and rash that does not disappear if pressed with a glass. Furthermore, young children may refuse food, appear drowsy or agitated, and have unusual body movements or a shrill, moaning cry when handled. However, not everybody with meningococcal infection shows these symptoms.

“People should seek immediate medical attention if they suspect that either they or one of their family members may have meningococcal infection.”