CANDLE TRIBUTE FOR YOUNG ‘ ANGEL’
HUNDREDS of people across the city have paid tribute to a Glasgow s chool g i rl who has tragically died following a brave battle with a brain tumour.
Sophia Walker, who went to Govan Gaelic Primary School, sadly passed away on Wednesday.
Last night, residents in the area – and beyond – lit up candles in memory of the youngster and to send love to her family.
Sophia was just seven years old when she was crowned Govan Fair Queen in September this year.
Councillor Richard Bell said: “We didn’t have a proper fair this year because of coronavirus but we had an outside ceremony at Sophia’s school.
“Donna Bowman, the headteacher, called me and invited me to go along and crown Sophia, so I had the privilege of meeting her.
“She was a lovely girl, so life and lots of laughter.
“I phoned the school and asked them to pass over my condolences to the family.
“It is devastating for any family to lose a child but especially in these times and in the run- up to Christmas.
“It seems so quick; it doesn’t feel that long ago we were in the school, and although Sophia was ill, she was still running about the playground with the other kids.
“I knew her condition was terminal, but it’s still a shock.
“The school are devastated. The teachers and staff in the school were so supportive of Sophia. She was a lovely young girl, full of joy.”
The team behind the Old Govan full of
Fair sent their condolences youngster’s family.
They added: “Sophia will be greatly missed. She was a great queen and Govan were very proud to have her.”
In August, we reported that Sophia was overjoyed after staff at Glasgow Central Station ensured she had a day to remember.
Sophia got to drive a train after her final wish was made a reality with the help of the Les Hoey Dream Maker Foundation.
She was greeted at the station with her name up on the announcement board to begin an actionpacked day.
She was treated to a special VIP tour of the station, where she got to see the abandoned lower- level platforms and help despatch a service to East Kilbride.
And the seven- year- old even took over the PA system before a ride in the station buggy.
Her excitement was described as “infectious” throughout.
Les Hoey, founder of the charity, to the
said: “It breaks my heart when the kids pass away. It’s really sad.
“I have spoken to Sophia’s mum and she said the memories the charity gave the family are really good memories.
“She had a day at Glasgow Central Station as a VIP and another at Blair Drummond Safari Park which she really enjoyed.”
Hundreds of people paid tribute to Sophia on social media including former nursery teachers.
Kimberley Scobbie said: “Heartbroken to hear this. I will be forever grateful to have got the chance to be one of Sophia’s first nursery teachers at Martha House. She was the cleverest little girl and an absolute pleasure to care for.”
Lynda Kinsella wrote: “I had the absolute privilege to have met and nursed Sophia who was a true inspiration to all who met her. Her smile and infectious wee laugh would light up a room. Angel wings grown far too soon. Sending my condolences to the family during this sad and difficult time.”