THE parents of a six-year-old boy who died from suspected meningitis have told of their agony at losing their ‘perfect little angel’.

Marti-Lee McDonagh was found dead at his home in Oswaldtwistle just 24-hours after complaining of flu-like symptoms.

His heartbroken mother Sarah Magee, 25, of Trinity Street, said: “On Thursday he woke up and said he had a stiff neck and we thought he might have slept funny.

“He was a bit achy so I kept him home from school, kept him warm and gave him plenty of water.

“He had wanted to sleep on the settee so I had sat with him and at about 1am or 2am I asked if he wanted to be left alone. He said yes so I gave him a kiss and said goodnight and that was the last time I saw him alive.”

Tragically, the tell-tale meningitis rash did not develop until the very final stages of the illness.

Sarah added: “He was always a very healthy little boy and it is unimaginable that this has happened. He was loving, very friendly, very giving. Some children can be little rogues, but he was not like that. He was perfect, my little angel.”

Dad Lee McDonagh, 27, said: “He was very adventurous. He loved going out on quad bikes, mountain bikes and in the 4x4 jeep. He was very bright at school and was always bringing home certificates.

“All he ever wanted to do was make his family proud and he did that every single day.”

The Moor End Primary School pupil leaves behind a three-year-old sister, Taylor-Leigh, and one-year-old sister Mika, along with step dad Sam Flaherty, who he used to call ‘my mate’.

Sarah said: “He was a very popular boy and had a very extended family. Everyone will miss him so much. I want to thank everyone who has given us their support.

“He only lost his grandad Richard 10 weeks ago to cancer. Now he will be buried alongside him.”

The family have all had to take a two-day course of antibiotics as a precautionary measure.

Parents at Marti-Lee’s school have been sent a letter of guidance, but the Health Prevention Agency has ruled that it was a single isolated case and there is no danger to his classmates.

Headteacher Christine Jackson said: “We are all completely devastated by the sudden loss of this little boy. He was a delightful, bubbly little boy, full of energy and popular with his classmates.

“The whole school is in shock but we are comforting the children and the county council’s Critical Incident Support Team are in school and giving us a lot of help.

“Our thoughts are with our pupil’s family and we send them our heartfelt sympathy. “ Marti-Lee’s funeral will be held at 11am on Tuesday February 17 at Accrington Crematorium. Inquiries to Hyndburn Funeral Services.