THOUSANDS of pounds have been raised in memory of “an outstanding young man” who tragically died unexpectedly.
Aiden Hoenigmann died after taking unwell at his home in Tranent last month.
His funeral took place on Saturday at Edinburgh’s Mortonhall Crematorium, and it was livestreamed to Ross High RFC’s clubhouse in Tranent, where a celebration of his life was also held.
Aiden had been the captain of the rugby club.
READ MORE: Tributes paid to Aiden Hoenigmann following tragic death
His dad Paul told the Courier that in excess of 800 people had attended the service.
He said: “The main chapel was full and they opened up the other chapel and livestreamed it into there.
“There were hundreds of people outside as well.
“To be honest, the whole afternoon and evening, I just expected him to walk in.
“We are a bit traumatised and dazed by it all.
“It has all hit us and we are just trying to get our heads round it.”
Last month, 27-year-old Aiden had returned home but felt “not himself”.
The following morning he took unwell and his partner Sarah Mercer performed CPR before paramedics took over.
Aiden was taken to hospital and placed in a medically induced coma but sadly passed away on January 8.
READ MORE: Dad of Aiden Hoenigmann remembers 'gentle giant'
Paul said it remained a mystery as to how his son – who attended Sanderson’s Wynd Primary School and Ross High School – had died.
He added that the donation of Aiden’s organs had been life-changing for others.
Paul said: “We also got information on the donors as well, which was nice.
“He has managed to change the lives of five families.
“There is a baby boy, a teenager, a woman in her thirties and two men in their early forties [who received the organs].
“He has done an awful lot of good.”
Ahead of the funeral, an online fundraising page was set up. The page has already collected nearly £20,000.
The money will be used to offer support to Aiden’s seven-year-old son Oskar, as well as to create a legacy for Aiden.
Paul added: “It has raised much more than we expected so far.
“It will be to support Oskar and Aiden’s legacy going forward. We will sit down with the family and work out how we do that, as it’s all too soon at this time.”
Many friends are also keen to hold fundraisers and there are plans being drawn up to further celebrate Aiden’s life.
READ MORE: Ross High to play first game since death of captain Aiden Hoeningmann
As well as captaining Ross High RFC, talented sportsman Aiden, who worked as a business analyst for Royal Bank of Scotland, also represented Tranent and Preston Village Cricket Club.
Paul said: “It has affected a lot of the boys at Ross High.
“It was a big build-up to the weekend.
“I think there will be discussions over the next few weeks and months about how we can best honour Aiden.
“Within cricket, there is a pre-season friendly getting organised between Holy Cross and Tranent and Preston Village Cricket Club on April 20.”
Go to gofundme.com/f/aiden-hoenigmann to make a donation.
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