Tributes as boy, 13, dies from meningitis

TRIBUTES have been paid to a 13-year-old Scottish schoolboy who died suddenly from meningitis.

Gregor Smith, a keen competitive swimmer, died in Victoria Hospital, Kirkcaldy, on Sunday, just seven hours after falling unwell.

His devastated parents, Jenny and George, and sister Rachel are preparing a funeral for the Kirkcaldy High School pupil, with friends organising a sponsored walk to raise funds for research into the infection.

Rector Derek Allan said: “Our thoughts are with his family and his many friends during this difficult time.

“Gregor was a popular pupil, well known and liked by staff and pupils. He will be a huge loss to us all.”

The school is liaising with Fife’s public health team, although the chance of other pupils contracting meningitis is said to be low.

Gregor was a junior squad member of the town’s Fins competitive swimming club, and coach Graham Irvine said he was struggling to take the tragedy in.

He said: “Gregor had been at the club as long as I can remember. He will be missed greatly by his peers within the squad.

“His confidence and cheeky ways will be how I remember him most as we come together to come to terms with the pain and unfairness of his passing.”