IN HEAVEN TOO SOON
Parents mourn ’precious angel’Eilidh
The heartbroken parents of a five-year-old Hamilton girl who died suddenly last week have called her their “precious angel”.
Devastated Craig Dempsey and Debbie Mcginty thanked everyone for their generosity and kind words following a flood of donations which have been made to a Justgiving website that was set up following the youngster’s death.
Scores of heartfelt tributes have poured in for Eilidh, who passed away last Monday, December 5.
Eilidh was laid to rest on Tuesday, December 13, following a service at St Joseph’s RC Church in Blantyre.
Many turned out to pay their respects as Eilidh’s cortege made its way along Hillhouse Road, Hamilton, on Tuesday morning to the Blantyre church. The schoolgirl, who was described as “a beautiful angel”, became unwell last Monday and a doctor and ambulance were summoned.
Eilidh passed away later
that afternoon. Police have confirmed there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding her sudden death.
This week Debbie and Craig requested that only family flowers be at the funeral. However, donations could be made in Eilidh’s memory to The Brightest Star, a charity offering support to parents who have lost a child.
Debbie and Craig wrote on the Justgiving site: “Our precious angel Eilidh took her wings and has gone to heaven far too soon.
“We would be so grateful rather than flowers, if anyone could make a small donation to charity.”
In just a few days the Justgiving page has smashed its target of £10,000.
Debbie posted on the page: “We are blown away with everyone’s generosity.
“Thank you for everyone’s kind words. Eilidh was extremely precious to us and was our world. We are heartbroken and take some comfort that we are trying to make some good from this tragedy.”
Staff and pupils at Townhill Primary School were also in mourning after hearing of Eilidh’s passing.
Headteacher Julie Mcgowan said: “Eilidh was a happy, friendly and enthusiastic girl who enjoyed school and we feel privileged to have had the opportunity to have been a part of her life. She was a credit to her family and our thoughts and prayers are with her mum, dad, family and friends.
“Support and guidance has been, and will continue to be, offered to our pupils and staff.
“I would like to thank everyone in the Townhill community for their support and the expressions of condolence for the family we have received at school.”
Tributes for the youngster have also been pouring in across social media as the tragic news spread.
Claire Ferguson posted: “I still can’t get her out my mind. A lovely wee girl who is a credit to her parents and I was fortunate enough to meet her a few times. Shine bright up there little angel.”
Jackie Lawson posted: “Devastated to read this, my wee girl went to nursery with Eilidh, she was an amazing beautiful wee girl. Sending love and prayers to all the family.”
Lynsey Coyle posted: “Thoughts and prayers with the family. We lived close by for a while and my daughter and Eilidh were friends. She was a beautiful little girl.”
Sandra Mccafferty posted: “My nephew was in her class so heartbreaking. RIP little angel, thoughts and prayers with all the family at this devastating time.”