Hearfelt tributes for singer Paige, 17
BY KIRSTY FEERICK TRIBUTES have been paid to inspiring young Scots singer Paige Dougall who has died after a battle with cancer.
The 17-year-old musician, from Kirkcaldy, spent two years fighting Ewing Sarcoma – a rare cancer which attacks the bones. She passed away from the illness on Wednesday.
Her death comes just months after she secured a place in the UK top 40 after recording an emotional song with pop star Ella Henderson.
The track ‘I’m Going Through Hell’ told of her cancer battle and raised awareness for others with the illness.
Following sad news of her passing Scots singer Callum Beattie, who released a charity single with Paige last year, was among those to pay tribute on social media.
He said: “Sometimes words come easily, and sometimes, there are just none. Anything we say just comes across like a cliche or a platitude, but from the first day Dave and I met Paige, we just both knew that she was a really, really special soul.
“She came into our lives like a wee tornado, and she made us laugh and smile.
“I think what we need to hold onto is the faith that she will already have moved onto a very special place, and she might have gone physically, but she can never, ever leave the massive and loving place that she created in all our hearts. “
Family friend Emma Davidson said: “She was funny, vivacious, kind, caring and just one of the best people the world could offer.”
AN expat Scots mum has been murdered – with her son charged over the attack.
Raymonde Elder was found dead by police in her home in Vancouver Island, Canada, after a brutal attack.
Her brother Alex McEwen last night paid tribute to his “beautiful, sweet, caring” sister after her son Ryan was charged with second-degree murder.
The 59-year-old – originally from Paisley – is believed to have died some time between Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve and police are still trying to piece together her movements during her final days.
Her family told how hardworking Raymonde owned a cleaning company and had allowed Ryan, who had mental health issues, to live with her as he was struggling.
She remained close to her family in Scotland, they said, even though she was taken to Canada by her parents and four siblings as a child.
BY JANE HAMILTON Crime reporter
Alex told of the moment he was contacted by police to say Raymonde was dead, saying: “We were very close through all the years and I could just tell there was something wrong.
“But you never suspect anything like this. It’s like a living nightmare. She was loved by a lot of people – she wouldn’t hurt a fly.
“She used to enter a room and the place would light up. She was so funny. We used to have some great laughs together.
“Raymonde loved her animals and was a happy person. She remained close to family members in Scotland, even with the distance. Ryan loved his mom and she loved him.”
Alex said he was angry because her death could have been prevented if the family had received help for Ryan, who is understood to be in his 20s. He said: “The police were called numerous times but did nothing. This is one of the things I’m mad at. This could have been prevented.”
Younger sister Denise McEwen said Raymonde had tried to get support for Ryan but there were no options for him and his family. She said: “She didn’t have a mean bone in her body. This is so unfair. She always helped everybody.
“Ryan struggled with mental health issues. Raymonde let him stay with her but she needed support from the mental health system. There were no options for him and no help.”
She added: “As a family, we tried to do as much as we could, but you can only do so much.
“If you don’t have a support system backing you up, you’re left with a revolving door.
“It’s gut-wrenching. We’re just another statistic.”
Ryan is being held in custody at the Vancouver Island Regional Correctional Centre.
Under Canadian law, anyone who is charged with murder will be detained unless they apply for bail in the Supreme Court.
A hearing has been set for January 20 to give him time to retain a lawyer.
Lawyer Claire Tollefson, who acted for him at his first appearance, said a psychiatric assessment hasn’t been ordered yet.