The family of four-year-old Marios has asked mourners to make donations in his memory instead of buying wreaths, as they prepare to bury him on Tuesday following his death from meningitis.

The funeral service will be held at 5pm at St Savvas’ Church in Ypsonas, with the family asking that money raised be given to support two other individuals undergoing chemotherapy.

“Your presence and love will be our greatest comfort,” the family said in a social media post.

“Our little angel, you flew to heaven too early, but you will remain forever in our hearts and souls.”

Marios died at Makarios hospital on Friday after suffering severe brain damage on July 14 following meningitis.

His death was announced by Kourion municipality, which cancelled an event scheduled for that evening as a gesture of respect and support for his family.

The boy had developed a fever on July 8, after which his parents remained in contact with his paediatrician.

When his condition failed to improve, he was taken to Limassol general hospital, where he was diagnosed with meningitis.

His parents later insisted that he be transferred to Makarios hospital in Nicosia as his condition continued to deteriorate.

On July 14, he suffered brain death enroute to Nicosia.

The case has prompted scrutiny of the circumstances surrounding the boy’s diagnosis and treatment.

Dozens gathered outside Limassol general hospital on August 10 following claims by the family that meningitis had not been diagnosed in time.

Okypy has said that police and internal investigations were under way, with statements taken as part of the inquiries.

The organisation said it was cooperating with authorities to ensure an “immediate, unbiased and objective investigation” into every claim or complaint.