Andrew’s death saves others
NICOLA FINDLAY
A beloved dad described as “one in a million” has helped save the lives of four other people after his sudden death.
The devastated family of Andrew Smith, 32, who passed away in Hairmyres Hospital after a short illness last Wednesday, say it is exactly what “devoted and loving” Andrew wanted – always putting others first throughout his life.
Shopfitter Andrew leaves behind partner, Jacqueline, their one-and-a-half yearold son Oliver and three stepsons, Aiden, Declan and Connor, along with mum
Charlene and dad Syd.
Inspired by his zest for life ,Jacqueline, who lived with Andrew in West Mains, now wants to do the charity sky dive he had planned despite being petrified of heights.
She told the News: “As soon as Andrew walked into a room there was no mistaking he was there – he was such a bubbly, genuine character.
“But above all he loved us all so much – he was devoted to myself and every one of the boys – he saw Aiden, Declan and Connor very much as his own.
“We are all devastated but want to remember his larger than life character and, most importantly, that he has helped save four people donating part of his lungs – where they rarely find a match – as well as liver, pancreas and kidney.”
Andrew, a former pupil of Duncanrig Secondary and Kirktonholme Primary, was well known and loved in the town – something which sometimes proved a bit of a hindrance for Jacqueline.
“He would talk to anyone and I couldn’t walk about the town centre without him stopping and chatting – it was ridiculous – especially when you had somewhere to go.
“But that was just him – he had time for everyone – even folk he had never met before – and everyone just adored him.”
His outgoing personality and love of singing on the karaoke even saw him audition for Britain’s Got Talent several years ago – although stardom wasn’t on the cards.
“He was actually pretty good and he and a childhood friend decided to give it a go which was typical of them but it wasn’t to be – but he had an absolute ball as always.”
Mum Charlene said Andrew was “just a wonderful and loving son”.
“Andrew was a bubbly, young lad, always laughing and joking – my beautiful baby boy,” she said.
“There wasn’t a day that went by where he didn’t phone and ask how me and his dad were doing – the girls at my work felt like they knew him as he was on the phone so much.
“This is such a sad, sad time for us all but we take so much comfort in the fact he has helped save four people – he is still living through others and, of course, through Oliver and we are so proud of him.”
The family say they have been inundated with support since Andrew’s death and also thanked the staff at Hairmyres who they say cared for him “brilliantly” until the very end.
Jacqueline added: “So many people have got in touch with stories of Andrew from as far away as America as he had worked away that have left us in tears with laughter and that’s what we are holding on to. We have been showered by the love that was felt for him.
“We had a love I am so grateful for and that’s why I want to do the skydive – I am doing it for him.
“Up until last Friday he was saying he was going to do it this year and I am determined by next year I will be able to overcome my fears and do it.
“I may be calling him a few names and coming out with a few expletives on the way down but I know he will be with me every step of the way.”
Devoted