Celebration of life of Sam Higgin, 29, to take place in Haddington

Sam Higgin, 29, passed away on New Year’s Day after suffering an extended seizure at his home in Haddington.

His funeral takes place next Thursday (January 26) at the town’s St Mary’s Parish Church, where his mum said there would be a celebration of his life.

Sam, who had very complex needs, including a severe form of epilepsy, autism, learning disabilities and scoliosis, will be escorted by a fire engine, while Henry and Henrietta Hoover vacuum cleaners, which he loved the look of, will be at the door.

His mum Jacqueline told the Courier: “He was content in what time he had. There was always the thought that Sam would not survive through the first years.

“He was alive and he had that steel will to keep going.”

Jacqueline said she had been overwhelmed with the tributes to her son, who was due to turn 30 in April.

More than 200 messages have been sent to the family to offer their best wishes.

She said that the family, including Sam’s sisters Kelly, 33, and Kate, 31, and brother Craig, 33, were “absolutely devastated but also blessed”.

She said: “We could start to see he was getting really tired and sleeping a lot in the lead-up to his eventual passing.

“He exited at his choice.

“I think he would have stayed longer if he could have but his body was getting so worn down.”

'Our star'

Donations can be made at the funeral, which starts at 12.30pm, to Epilepsy Scotland and attendees are encouraged to wear “a bit of sparkle”.

Jacqueline, who lives on the town’s Roodlands Court, said that her son loved Disney and Disney princesses.

She described him as “a very kind soul” who had a way of empathising with people and could sense their sadness.

She said: “I think the positive thing Sam really did was to show that, even though he didn’t have a lot of abilities to get out and mix, the positive and endearing personality shone through.

“He was our star and lit up everyone’s life he touched.”

And she added: “Our legend never complained, just got on with what he had.”

Nearly four years ago, Sam had a fortunate escape when his two personal assistants rescued him after his mobility van went up in flames.

READ MORE: Carers save disabled man's life as van goes up in flames

Jacqueline previously thanked carers Tracey Stevenson and Sheryl Campbell for rescuing Sam when his mobility van was engulfed in flames between Boggs Holdings and Pencaitland in March 2019.

She said at the time: “I’m eternally grateful – they saved his life.”