HUNDREDS of mourners have paid tribute to Hayes teen Scott McGurk who died of a rare infection earlier this month.

Family and friends turned out in droves today to bid a final farewell to the 19-year-old at St Raphael's Church in Morrison Road, Hayes.

Sister, Natalie McGurk, 21, read a speech to the congregation in memory of her brother, who died on December 5 in Hammersmith Hospital four days after being admitted.

Scott's mother, Sandra McGurck, 48, of Shakespeare Avenue, Hayes, said: ""It was very unexpected. We got the phone call that morning telling us we needed to get up to the hospital.

"Apart from his illness he was very fit. He was always at the gym. He'd not felt well for about a month but he was very healthy. He didn't smoke, he rarely drank. Everyone that met him instantly liked him. He was that sort of person."

As a child Scott was diagnosed with Nephrotic Syndrome, a non-terminal condition where the filters in the kidneys allow protein to leak from the blood into urine.

But after contracting rare infection, Necrotising Fasciitis, his immune system was left unable to fight back and despite being rushed into theatre he died with his family around him.

Mrs McGurk said: "They were trying to get lots of antibiotics in him but it had spread too far.

"Football was his passion. He absolutely loved his job as a vehicle locksmith and he was really good at it. He was a bit of a flash Harry but modest with it and had a green BMW which was his pride and joy."

This is the second tragedy to hit the family after Scott's father, Paul, died 15 years ago of a rare skin disease.

"I thought I'd had my fair share of grief," Mrs McGurk explained.

At the funeral Scott's favourite tune Craig David's 'Six of One Thing', was played before he was taken to Mortlake crematorium, where his ashes will be laid near his grandad's.

Mrs McGurk added: "His sister is in bits. They used to fight when they were younger but over the last couple of years they've been really close. She's been a great help. He was an inspiration to her.

"I'll always remember his lovely smile. I'm so proud of him."

Click on Hayes in community websites to post your tributes.