Tears and tributes to lovable rogue Nico

Pharmacy team knew tragic teenager all his life

Pharmacy workers paid tribute to a popular patient last week.

The staff at Melville Chemist in Rutherglen organised a fundraiser for Asthma UK in memory of Rutherglen teenager Nico Sweeney.

The 16-year-old, who was a patient at the pharmacy throughout his life, died last month following a severe asthma attack.

Pharmacist Louise Carson said that staff were “devastated” to hear about the teen’s sudden death and are still saddened one month on.

She said: “I’ve been here for more than 16 years and have known Nico since he was born.

“A lot of staff who have worked here live locally too.

“We were all devastated when we heard about what happened and I’m still feeling emotional talking about it now.

“We’d all known Nico for years and would help him with managing his asthma.

“A lovable rogue is how many people referred to him. He was always great fun.

“He would come into the chemist and the girls loved him because he would say how much he appreciated us ladies looking after him.”

Louise suggested staging a fundraiser in Nico’s memory and called on her colleagues Danielle McStay, Anna Corrigan and Rachel Imlach to help organise it.

The women hosted a coffee morning and baking sale in the chemist in Ardgay Way last Wednesday.

Dozens of people took part and made donations, including Nico’s mum Linda. The total amount raised was £560.

Louise said: “Linda popped in with her partner on the afternoon of the baking sale. It was lovely to see her and you can only imagine how difficult it must be for them.”

Danielle McStay, who took a lead role in organising the event, said: “I only started working at the pharmacy last year so I didn’t know Nico as well as the others did but he was a nice, funny wee guy.

“All the girls chipped in with home baking.

“We didn’t know how the event was going to go because we organised it at short notice but it went really well.

“We’re delighted to have raised so much money.”

Aswell as raising money for Asthma UK, pharmacy staff also gave advice on the use of inhalers, the types to use and demonstrations on correct technique.

Friends and family wore something green at Nico’s funeral on May 18 in honour of the young Celtic supporter.

The week before dozens of people released balloons and lanterns in Fernhill and Rutherglen in memory of Nico.