Friends heartbroken after Courtney dies aged only 19

A GIRL of 19 who battled Type 1 diabetes for years has died five months after becoming a mother. Courtney Newlands passed away last week after complications from her illness. She leaves a son, Declan jnr, who was born in September. Friends of Courtney, who went to Rosshall Academy in Crookston, BY JACK AITCHISON Glasgow, are rallying round to help her family pay for her funeral.

And several have spoken online of their shock at losing her so young.

Stephanie Lowell shared an image of Courtney on Facebook and wrote: “What a beautiful, wonderful, kind-hearted, absolutely amazing mother she was.

“I’m so glad we have some memories and I am blessed to have known you.”

Stephen Deegan wrote: “I’ve lost my best pal ever. She’s so amazing man. Why be taken so young?

“I love you Courtney Newlands. Miss you so much man. You’re always gonna be in my heart.”

Friends have set up a GoFundMe page to help with funeral expenses and it has already raised more than half its £1000 target.

The message on the page says: “We are raising money on behalf of Courtney Newlands’ family for a beautiful young girl, who left behind a beautiful little boy who is only five months old.

“Courtney suffered all her life with Type 1 diabetes. It’s hit the family hard – they didn’t except her to pass so soon after only just turning 19.

“Any money raised will go towards giving Courtney the send-off she deserves and making sure her little boy has the life he deserves.”

One well-wisher wrote on the page: “You deserve a good sendoff – beautiful inside and out.”

To donate to the appeal, visit gofundme.com/courtneyslast-goodbye