The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Family planning ‘celebration of life’ after tragic death of Cillian, aged 8
DUNDEE: Schoolboy with acute asthma passed away suddenly at home
The family of a tragic eight-year-old have spoken of their devastation after his sudden death.
Cillian Thomas Anderson, from Dundee, died suddenly at home.
His mother, Clare Walker, and the rest of the family are still coming to terms with the loss of the young Clepington Primary pupil, who had acute asthma.
Cillian was described by his mum as a child who “always saw the best in everyone”, and the family is planning to celebrate his life next month – on what would have been his ninth birthday.
The event will be used as an opportunity for loved ones to say a proper goodbye to Cillian because lockdown meant limited numbers were allowed at his funeral.
Clare said: “He got a great send-off – it was a little difficult with the funeral taking place during lockdown but I can’t thank enough those who helped me and my family during this time.
“The Dundee Superheroes joined the procession and fire crews from Macalpine Fire Station came out, as Cillian loved fire trucks.
“There were friends and family outside with Dundee United balloons and Cillian was laid to rest in a Dundee United kit which they had helped us to get.
“There have been so many bad things happening in the world, but seeing the help and support from the local community has been tremendous.”
The support has stretched to local graffiti artist Syke, real name Symon Mathieson, who painted a mural in the family’s garden.
Clare added: “We are just trying to get through this day by day, we are keeping ourselves busy.
“The mural has been a massive comfort, seeing Cillian’s face in the garden.”
The death of Cillian’s classmate, Freya Skene – who lost her life after she got into difficulty in a river near Dunkeld in July – was further heartbreak for their school friends, Clare said.
She added: “Freya and Cillian were good pals at school, so for two kids from the same group of friends to pass away is horrendous.
“The way the kids left the school before lockdown, no one would have envisaged two of their classmates not coming back.
“I have to thank Clepington Primary for the support they have given us. It must have been so difficult for the teacher starting the new term in the current circumstances.”
Cillian is survived by his sister Crystal, his father Alex and Clare.
The family have set up a Go Fund Me page in the hope of raising £500 for Cillian’s birthday celebrations on September 21.
To donate visit gofundme.com/f/cillian-thomas-andersons-wake