A 12-YEAR-OLD Widnes schoolboy has died from meningitis - the 13th Halton youngster to fall victim to this killer brain disease in the past two months.

Paul Caffrey, a first year pupil at SS Peter and Paul RC high school, became ill while on a residential course at the Plas Menai outdoor pursuits centre.

He was airlifted to hospital in the early hours of last Wednesday but his condition deteriorated and he died later that evening.

A special mass is being held at St Michael's RC church this evening (Wednesday). His funeral takes place in Speke tomorrow (Thursday).

Headteacher Michael Glover paid a moving tribute to Paul, as professional counsellors comforted his friends.

He said: "Paul was a lively young man, really well-behaved. He had an excellent sense of humour. He was a keen footballer and enjoyed swiming.

"His mum was delighted with the way in which he had settled into the school and with all the new friends he had made."

Pupils who shared a dormitory with Paul were given antibiotics when they returned from North Wales.

All parents have been sent explanatory letters about the disease.

Dr Catherine Quigley, Halton's consultant in communicable diseases, is issuing a routine letter for all parents and GPs in the Widnes area.

Widnes mother Olga Wilde, of Meningitis Merseyside, has been at the school every morning this week, offering parents information, support and reassurance.

She has distributed 40,000 leaflets since the recent meningitis outbreak began in December.

All 1,100 pupils and 100 staff at the Grange comprehensive in Runcorn were immunised three weeks ago after four pupils contracted meningitis.

Sixth former Sarah Holland, 17, died and three boys - one aged 11 and two aged 12 - contracted the disease.

A 13-year-old schoolboy at St Chad's RC high school also made a successful recovery.

Altogether in Runcorn, there have been seven confirmed cases and five cases where it is probable or highly likely that a patient had a meningitis infection.

For further information and advice, Meningitis Merseyside can be contacted on 0151-424 4402.

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