THE mother of a Hampshire student told yesterday how she gave her son a final hug in the hours before his death from meningitis.

Ade Gibbs, 19, an A-level student at Peter Symonds College in Winchester, died of meningococcal meningitis after the virus had struck without warning.

Yvette Carrous-Gibbs said only hours before his death last Thursday he had returned home from a trip to London with friends, complaining of feeling unwell.

He had collapsed later that night and been rushed by ambulance to the Royal Hampshire County Hospital in Winchester. Medical staff fought to save him but he died at about 5am.

Yvette, 41, said Ade had slipped into and out of consciousness: "I told him that I was sorry that I thought he had been taking drugs. He never did.

"He said: 'I'm very happy I had you as a mum, my sister and my dad.' He asked 'Can I have a hug? I'm scared.' "They took him into intensive care and I started screaming. I was praying and praying and praying. Then they came out and said: 'Sorry, we couldn't save him."

Ade, who had moved to live with his mother in Winchester in 2004 was formerly a pupil at Perins secondary school in Alresford. He was studying biology, chemistry and psychology at A-level and was due to sit the exams this summer.

Peter Symonds College principal Neil Hopkins said: "I'm sure the staff and students will join me in expressing our sorrow and sympathy for the family and friends of Ade."

College friends are holding a fundraising event at the White House bar in Above Bar, Southampton at 9pm on Friday. Entrance is £5 and all proceeds will go to the family. It will be for over-18s only.

The funeral details are to be confirmed.