Remembering beloved Aaron
Tribute evening for tragic teenager
Dozens of people attended a tribute night last Friday, held in memory of tragic Whitehill teen Aaron Lee, to mark the first birthday since his death.
Friends and family came together at the basketball court on Back Muir Road, Whitehill, to release fireworks, Chinese lanterns, and see his name in lights on what would have been his 20th birthday.
Aaron was killed in a horror road crash near Blackwood on April 1 this year, at the age of 19.
Last week his twin sister Courtney spoke exclusively to the Advertiser of her devastation at celebrating her birthday without him and said how hard it would be to not share the day with him and open their cards together.
Speaking of the birthday tribute last Friday (October 14), Courtney said: “It was a brilliant turnout and just what Aaron would have wanted, with all his favourite songs playing, fireworks and he would have especially loved the personalised one, the balloons and lanterns.
“It was a totally different birthday compared to all the rest because he wasn’t here. It just didn’t feel right, but he would have loved the turnout he got, and on behalf of all the family I would like to say thanks to everyone who made the effort to come, especially to Connie Sloan (Aaron’s best friend) for running about daft getting things and always helping us out.”
Since Aaron’s death, a number of tributes and events have been held paying tribute to the popular teenager, who was originally from Netherburn.
His best friend Connie Sloan (25) has been left devastated by his death, but was touched to be able to help organise his birthday tribute night last week.
She said: “Aaron’s birthday tribute went great, it was loud and colourful and everything he would have wanted.
“He really has left a hole in everyone’s heart. Most of us have tribute tattoos to him now as well, so that he’s part of everything we do.
“He was the life and soul of every party, was always happy and smiling and would always try to cheer you up if you were down. He is deeply missed.”
Friday’s event was the third tribute to be held in memory of Aaron, as two were held in Whitehill and Netherburn earlier this year.
A wall in Duke Street, in Glasgow, has also been dedicated to Aaron with some street art.
Aaron is survived by his mum Jackie, dad Brian and sister Courtney and nephew Harvey (2).