THE family and friends of an 18-year-old who died of meningitis have donated thousands of pounds to the Romford hospital that cared for him.

Daniel Halford, died in the Intensive Treatment Unit (ITU) at Queen’s Hospital, in Rom Valley Way, on September 7.

He had been admitted just four days earlier.

His father Darrell said: “It was so quick. Just days earlier I had come home from work and found him seriously ill. It all stemmed from a headache.”

Unfortunately, despite the care of staff in ITU, Daniel was too ill to survive.

His family agreed that his organs could be used for transplant, and two people have now benefitted from his kidneys. His corneas were also donated.

“I think being an organ donor is something he would have wanted,” said Darrell. “It has given us some comfort and it is good to know that he is still helping people in some way.”

Daniel, from Elm Park Avenue, in Hornchurch, had been a pupil at Brittons School, IN Ford Lane, Rainham, and the crematorium was packed with former school friends and family for his funeral.

“There were so many people there that lots of people had to stand up at the back, and there were even people outside because it was too packed to get in,” said Darrell.

He and Daniel’s brother, Matthew, decided to ask for donations rather than flowers at the funeral, and were astounded when �2,400 was collected.

Darrell said: “We were amazed by how much people gave. The care he received in ITU at Queen’s was fantastic, and we wanted to give the money to the department to say thank you.”

The popular teenager is still a big part of his friends’ and family’s lives.

Darrell said: “I have left Daniel’s Facebook page open, and people still chat to him on that. I think that’s lovely.”