KIND-HEARTED residents have helped raise thousands of pounds towards the costs of the funeral of a young man who died suddenly after developing sepsis.

Cameron McLean, 22, fell ill at the home he shared with his mum Karen on Thomson Crescent, Port Seton, on Saturday, March 3.

Doctors discovered that Cameron, who had cerebral palsy, had developed the devastating blood condition and he passed away that evening.

The news sparked an outpouring of support for Karen and the family from residents who remembered the “amazing young man” with the “huge smile”.

And they immediately began raising funds to make sure he could be given a proper send-off and support his family.

Cameron, who used a wheelchair, was a former pupil at Preston Lodge High School, which joined in efforts with a raffle which raised over £400.

Local businesses have been donating prizes for a big fundraising afternoon which is being held in Cockenzie and Port Seton Royal British Legion Club next Saturday (March 31) from noon.

A Crowdfunding page set up by Cameron’s aunt Tressa Cherrie, his mum’s best friend, has raised over £3,800 of the £5,000 target to help pay for his funeral.

The funeral, at Prestonpans Cemetery on Monday at 11am, will be a humanist ceremony, with everyone invited to wear the colours of Cameron’s favourite football team Hearts on the day.

Tressa 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.

“We have been overwhelmed by everyone’s support and kindness.”

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 the day after he died.

To support Cameron’s family, go to justgiving.com/crowdfunding/tressa-cherrie