Flu bug claims 'inspirational' pupil

David Bett, 16, from Alloa, Clackmannanshire, was admitted to hospital on Friday and kept in overnight. His condition deteriorated rapidly on Saturday, and he died early on Sunday.

It is understood the Alloa Academy pupil suffered heart failure, although the exact cause of death is yet to be confirmed.

He was not known to have had any underlying health conditions and his death has left his family devastated.

David, whose father Alan died five years ago, lived at home with his mother Louise and 18-year-old sister Jennifer.

His mother said: "David went to school on Friday and when he came home, he started being sick. I phoned the doctor because his breathing was very laboured and he had no strength.

"I was very concerned. They sent an ambulance, but it was all so sudden and we're devastated.

"David loved his computer, his PlayStation and his music – he loved older music like Bob Marley and Wham! as well as other songs and records from the Eighties which he would sing around the house."

She went on: "It's even harder because his dad died five years ago from a massive heart attack. He was 46 years old. But my daughter Jennifer and I are just comforting each other – it's all we can do."

Jennifer, a student at Forth Valley College, said: "He was an inspiration to everyone – just a really great guy. He was totally crazy, always running around the house singing Bob Marley songs.

"We've been very close for the last two years when he helped me through a really difficult time. He was always there for me. He had a big group of friends, and they all loved him, and he loved them, too."

A page on social networking website Facebook dedicated to David, set up by Jennifer, has received hundreds of hits, with devastated friends and fellow pupils keen to pay their respects.

One friend, Connor Robertson, wrote: "Never got to say goodbye Bett, if I could change that I would, I miss you, I love you, I still have your msn. And I can't stop talking to you, I know you can't reply, but I hope somehow you know what I'm saying because it's things that I wish I had said before you were gone. RIP my friend."

Another friend, Max Wrighton, wrote: "Will miss you Bett, school would never have been as good if you hadn't been there. I haven't got a bad thing to say about you, you were always a good friend."

Jennifer said: "Knowing how many people loved David has been helping us to cope. There are 280 members on David's Facebook page already, and it's really sweet what they've been saying about him."

David had planned to stay on at school for sixth year before going to university to study engineering. Alloa Academy headteacher Ralph Barker said David always had an "excellent attitude" in classes and would be sorely missed.

A special service was held on Monday, and a full memorial service is planned after Easter.

POTENTIAL KILLER

GASTRIC flu, or gastroenteritis, is inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract.

It can be transferred by contact with contaminated food or water.

Inflammation is caused by an infection from certain viruses, by bacteria, their toxins, parasites or an adverse reaction to something in the diet or medication.

Gastric flu often involves stomach pain or spasms, diarrhoea or vomiting. The condition is usually acute for up to six days .

Globally, it is a leading cause of death among under-5s.