A COMMUNITY has come together to help give a fitting send-off to an “amazing” young man who died suddenly on Saturday.
Cameron McLean, from Port Seton, fell ill that day at the home he shared with his mum Karen.
An ambulance crew called to their Thomson Crescent home arrived with shovels to clear snow from his path so they could get him to hospital.
But doctors discovered that Cameron, who had cerebral palsy, had developed the devastating blood condition sepsis. He passed away on Saturday evening.
Friends and family in Port Seton are now raising funds so Karen, who lived alone with Cameron as his full-time carer, can give the 22-year-old the funeral he deserves.
Karen’s best friend Tressa Cherrie said: “Everyone who knew Cameron just talks about his massive smile.
“He was an amazing young man who loved bowls and was a Hearts FC season ticket holder.
“It was very unexpected and a shock for everyone. We want to make sure Karen can give him the funeral he deserves –his sudden loss has moved so many in the community.”
Former Preston Lodge High School pupil Cameron, who attended Tynebank Resource Centre in Haddington, was a fan of Canadian rock singer Will Black, who dedicated a live show, streamed on social media, to him on Sunday.
Will, who posed for pictures with Cameron at a concert on the 22-year-old’s birthday in November (see photo below), said: “Thank you for your friendship and supporting my music Cameron, RIP brother.”
Gavin Clark, headteacher at Preston Lodge, paid tribute to the former student.
He said: “We were saddened to hear of the sudden death of ex-Preston Lodge student Cameron McLean.
"Cameron was a well-loved member of our school and staff have fond memories of him whizzing about school in his wheelchair, always with a smile on his face.
“He enjoyed school and whenever he was asked how he was doing he always gave us a ‘double thumbs-up’.
“He faced challenges but never complained about anything.
“He was a huge Hearts fan and would always take great pleasure in winding up some members of staff when his team had been successful – especially if it was at an Edinburgh derby game!
“Our thoughts and best wishes are with the family at this very difficult time.”
Plans for a fundraiser in Cameron’s memory are already in place, with a fun day arranged at Cockenzie and Port Seton Royal British Legion club on Saturday, March 31.
It will start from noon, with a sports day organised with darts, dominoes and pool, as well as a disco in the evening.
Organisers are appealing for donations of raffle prizes, which can be dropped off to John Marshall at Port Seton Centre or the Legion itself.
A crowdfunding page has been set up to support Karen and help pay for Cameron’s funeral, which is being held on Monday, March 26, at 11am at Prestonpans Cemetery.
Graeme Jeffrey, chairman of Cockenzie and Port Seton Community Council, said that everyone had pulled together to support Karen and her family.
He said: “At the end of last week, the community was given the very sad news that a young man of 22, Cameron McLean, had passed away.
"We saw our community pull together to help support his family by arranging a crowdfunding page and fundraising event at the British Legion to help pay the costs of his funeral.”
To support Cameron’s family, go to justgiving.com/crowdfunding/tressa-cherrie
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