Loved ones of a footie-mad eight-year-old who died suddenly from meningitis will say their final goodbyes today.

Fun-loving Harry, of Moon Hill, Shepherdswell, fell ill on Valentine's Day, but his family initially thought his symptoms were a sickness bug.

Tragically, Harry's condition rapidly deteriorated and he died just over a week later.

Father Ben Williams, 40, said: “It all happened very quickly, to be honest. He was being sick on Saturday, February 14, and by the Monday he was unresponsive and taken into hospital.

“I just thought he had a sickness bug, but in 48 hours it effectively tore him apart. It was absolutely devastating.”

Harry died at Evelina London Children’s Hospital, leaving behind his parents Ben and Alex, and sisters Jessica, seven, and Isabelle, who is 17 months old.

He had contracted an infection of the protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord, and could not be saved.

"I just thought he had a sickness bug, but in 48 hours it effectively tore him apart. It was absolutely devastating..." - Ben Williams

The young Dover Athletic supporter was remembered at Saturday's game by fans and players on both sides.

They gave Harry’s family a minute-long round of applause before Dover Athletic played Lincoln City.

It was a moment which Mr Williams described as “fantastic”.

He said: “We have gone to a lot of games over the past couple of years because he enjoyed spending the time with me, his uncle and his cousin.”

“Harry did follow the results as an eight-year-old, but he wasn’t that into playing football.”

He was described as “adorable”, with an interest in James Bond films. He enjoyed playing the video game Minecraft.

Harry was also a rugby player for Dover’s under-9s and had played since he was five.

Sunday marked the opening of the East Kent Festival 2015 at Canterbury Rugby Club, and a tribute to Harry was made.

Event director Graham Dunkerley said: “The tone of the day was set with spectators and players paying a joyous respect to Dover RFC player Harry Williams.

“Harry was taken too soon by meningitis in recent weeks. To celebrate Harry’s life, a one-minute applause was participated by all.”

Mr Williams thanked the Shepherdswell and local sporting communities for their support.

But he also wanted to raise awareness of meningitis.

He said: “It is absolutely essential that anything is done to raise awareness of the illness.

“People should search it online – anything to improve their knowledge.”

He encouraged parents who think their child may have it to seek urgent medical advice.

Harry’s funeral is taking place today at St Andrew’s Church, on the Green. Any floral donations should be made to undertakers W.J. Farriers in London Road, Dover.