Eilidh’s smile lit up every room

Tributes to trainee pharmacist who inspired

Tributes have been paid to a trainee Overtown pharmacist and former Dux of her school.

Popular Eilidh McHugh, 22, who worked at Overtown Pharmacy. was nearing the end of her preregistration year to become a fullyqualified pharmacist, when she passed away suddenly on Tuesday, March 7, following a short illness.

Eilidh obtained a First Class Honours in Pharmacy at the University of Strathclyde.

She is survived by her dad Michael, mum Elaine and 26-yearold sister, Kerry.

Her parents Michael and Elaine spoke of how their daughter, who was a former Dux of Holy Cross High School in Hamilton, had a contagious laugh and was always caring towards everyone she knew.

Elaine said: “Eilidh had a great zest for life. She was always caring for others, and touched so many people.

“She was so hard working and was such a modest girl, who loved going out, travelling and keeping fit. She was still going to her boxing fitness class up until a few weeks ago.

“Eilidh always knew how to have a good time, but she was so focused and driven.

“When she was at university she was part of the Red Bull Wings Team, which she absolutely loved too. She inspired so many people, and she touched so many lives.”

Elaine said that Eilidh’s friends have rallied round their family who live in Hamilton.

She added: “She had the most amazing group of friends – they have been wonderful. They have wrapped our family up in so much love.”

Eilidh loved to travel, and spend time with her friends and also liked to work out. She was working hard to complete the final part of becoming a pharmacist.

Eilidh’s dad Michael said: “Eilidh got great exam results, and she decided she wanted to study pharmacy. She studied really hard and graduated last July.

“She decided to work in the independent pharmacy in Overtown, so that is where she had been doing her pre-registration year.

“She loved her job. She loved being there and was due to do her final exam in June.”

One of Eilidh’s colleagues at Overtown Pharmacy, Ally Copeland, said that Eilidh will be “sorely missed”.

She said: “Eilidh was an absolute ray of sunshine. She lit up every room and always put a smile on your face, no matter what mood you were in. She was amazing, always laughing and was always so cheery, a beautiful soul inside and out and she will be sorely missed.”

Eilidh is a former Dux of Holy Cross High School in Hamilton.

She loved her job and was due to do her final exam in June . . .