A HEARTBROKEN dad today paid tribute to the "perfect son" who died from a rare strain of meningitis. Richard Armstrong, 16, an apprentice bricklayer with Bolton Council, died just hours after being diagnosed with the meningococcal septicaemia. The Moses Gate youngster, a former Harper Green School pupil, was sent home from work complaining of shoulder pains and vomiting.

His devastated dad John, who has had to bring up his two children alone after the death of his wife five years ago, said his son's death was a "terrible tragedy".

Mr Armstrong, who works at Blackburn's Printers in Bolton, said: "He was the perfect son and brother to his younger sister Rebecca, 14. He never had a wrong word to say about anybody."

Richard started working for the Direct Labour Organisation at the local authority after passing an interview test last July.

His dad said he loved his job, worked hard and had ambitions to become a builder.

But on Tuesday he was brought home by the foreman complaining of shoulder pains which caused him to be sick. Mr Armstrong explained: "He lay on the couch and just slept. When I got in after working overtime and doing some shopping, it was too late to see the doctor so we decided to wait until morning.

"He decided that he wanted to sleep on the couch all night. In the morning, he complained of sore legs and when I looked he had a rash.

"I have never seen a rash like it, it was very purple. I rang the doctor at 7am and he came out.

"The doctor immediately gave Richard some antibiotics and called the ambulance."

Mr Armstrong followed with his mother-in-law in a taxi. "As we arrived at casualty, we were told that he had been taken up to the intensive care unit. It was when we went into see him that we were told that he was severely ill."

Richard, of Loxham Street, Moses Gate, battled until 2.15pm on Wednesday when he lost his fight for life.

"When he got to hospital, it just took hold of him, " Mr Armstrong said. "Before that he seemed okay. He even dressed himself to get into the ambulance and was talking lucidly." Richard's close family and friends have since been vaccinated against the strain of the disease.

Gideon Smith, consultant in public health for Bolton, has said that all appropriate public measures have been taken.

He said that meningococcal disease is a rare illness, more frequent in the winter months, that affects about one in 10,000 people a year. More than 90 per cent of cases survive. But Mr Armstrong last night urged Bolton people to seek expert advice as soon as possible if in doubt.

He said: "I thought that Richard had a stomach bug. I let him tell me what was wrong with him, instead of seeking medical advice. "I was given the wrong diagnoses by my son and that is something I will have to live with for the rest of my life."

Richard will be buried in the family grave alongside his mum, Yvonne, who died after a four year struggle against skin cancer.

John said: "Richard died in a day - but his mum suffered for years. Richard and Rebecca were very close because of their mum's death.

"I don't think Rebecca is really dealing with this yet. But I have to, for Rebecca's sake."

The funeral will take place next Thursday at All Saints Church with a burial at Heaton Cemetery.

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