TEARS FOR BERT AFTER STAIR FALL TRAGEDY
Community rallies round family
The sister of a Bothwell man who died after a tragic accident in his home has thanked members of the public for their support.
Wendy Taylor has been left devastated by the sudden death of her brother Colin last week.
The 48-year-old, known locally as Bert, passed away after falling down the stairs in his Burleigh Road home. He was found by two of his close friends on Sunday, January 20, but later died in University Hospital Monklands.
Heartbroken Wendy told the Advertiser: “We have been overwhelmed by the support and indeed donations that have been raised for Colin’s funeral. “It’s lovely to see how much he meant to
people.”
Tributes have been paid to a Bothwell man who died after falling down the stairs in his home last week.
Colin Taylor, known locally as Bert, passed away following the tragic accident in his Burleigh Road property.
The 48-year-old suffered a severe bleed on the brain and, after being found by two close fiends on Sunday, January 20, was rushed to University Hospital Monklands, where he sadly passed away.
However, it had always been Colin’s wish to donate his organs and his family have since been told he has helped save the lives of five other people.
Colin’s heartbroken sister Wendy Taylor, of Uddingston, told the Advertiser this week: “We are absolutely devastated. Just heartbroken. Everyone who knew Colin adored him. He was kind, caring, sweet and funny and no-one ever had a bad word to say about him.
“He was often out and about in the village, and liked a pint or two, so was very well known. His tragic death has been a complete shock to everyone, most of all to myself and his niece, my daughter, Taylor.”
Taylor Mcmillan (16) has been left devastated by his sudden death and added: “I cannot believe we have lost one of the most special, loveliest, loyal men around. I’m heartbroken.
“My uncle Colin was not just an amazing uncle he was also my right hand man and he cared deeply for me and my mum. He was the funniest man around and I’m sure lots of people have some great personal memories of their own of him.”
In just a matter of days, friends have helped raise £7500 on a Justgiving page and in personal donations to help pay for Colin’s funeral.
A further £700 was raised after Bothwell businessman Francis Gilluley auctioned a VIP table for 10 people at his upcoming evening with Chris Eubank in the Bothwell Bridge Hotel, in April. Local man Ryan Gaulding, who knew Colin, won the auction and further added to the fundraiser.
Colin’s friend Jacqui Wilson, who set up the Justgiving page with her husband Jason, said: “Colin was funny, totally stupid at times but absolutely loving and a great friend to many. He will be deeply missed.”
Francis Gilluley, who held the auction, added: “This is a tragic loss for the community as Colin was a very popular figure. It’s nice to see so many people dig deep both with our auction and the Justgiving page to help the family during this awful time.”
Wendy added: “We have been totally overwhelmed by the kindness and generosity of the community at this time.
“We cannot thank everyone enough. Words simply cannot describe how much we appreciate it.
“A special thank you to Jacqui and Jason, Francis and Ryan and everyone who has person.
“Also thanks to the Hood family, who have kindly offered the Castle Rooms to host Colin’s funeral once we have the details.
“All of this will ensure Colin gets the send off he deserves.” donated to the page and in