Suzanne Johnstone Gunn: Tributes after death of mum, 36

Suzanne Johnstone Gunn, from Wallyford, passed away peacefully at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh with her family by her side on January 3, aged just 36.

A community group in Musselburgh of which Suzanne was a “valued” committee member is now planning a memorial in her name which can be passed on to future generations.

Irene Grant, secretary of Clark’s Concert Party, said they were “devastated” by her death.

Suzanne, who was born on January 9, 1987, was brought up on Salters Road, Wallyford, where her dad Douglas and mum Moira live.

She is a former pupil of Wallyford Primary School and Musselburgh Grammar School.

She joined what was then St Ninian’s Junior Concert Party when she was eight, following in the footsteps of her dad and her elder sister Louise, who were also members. Suzanne also has a brother, William.

Suzanne, right, with her older sister Louise, showing her love of life

Irene said: “Her dad Douglas was our joiner – the man who built and painted all our scenery for many, many years, as well as being our treasurer.”

St Ninian’s Junior Concert Party changed its name to Clark’s Concert Party in 2010 following the death in October 2009 of Robert Clark, the group’s founder.

Suzanne’s daughter Bailey, 12, and niece Caitlyn, 16, also joined when they were eight and are both still members.

Irene said: “As a teenager, and whilst she was still a member, Suzanne’s health took a turn for the worse and it was a good few years before she was finally diagnosed as coeliac.

“Despite changing her diet, Suzanne continued to be very unwell with continuous vomiting – baffling doctors who could not get to the root of her problem.

“It was not until she was in her early twenties that she was again diagnosed – this time with autoimmune hepatitis.

“She had numerous spells in hospital over the years but never stopped smiling and being the bubbly personality she always was.

“However, when she was admitted again just before Christmas, the battle this time was just too much for her frail body and, much as she fought, it was not to be and she passed away peacefully with her family by her side on January 3.”

Suzanne enjoys the Musselburgh Festival's fancy dress parade with concert party members in 2022

Suzanne’s funeral on January 30, at St Peter’s Church in Musselburgh and Inveresk graveyard, was attended by members of the concert party committee and friends.

Irene said: “We were very touched when a collection taken at the church for the concert party amounted to £550.

“We cannot thank her family enough for thinking of us – an organisation which has been woven into their lives since the 1960s.

“We will think of a suitable memorial in Suzanne’s name which can be passed on to subsequent generations to ensure her contribution and legacy will never be forgotten.

“Rest now, Suzy, knowing you were truly loved by all who were privileged to know you.”

Suzanne worked as assistant manager at Ladbrokes and worked at Iceland, both Musselburgh, at one time.

She was an active member of the Pinkie Parents – a group set up for the parents of children who attend Pinkie St Peter’s Primary School and nursery in Musselburgh – helping at fundraising events.

Irene said Suzanne was on the liver transplant list and urged people to think about adding their names to the donor register.

Pamela Healy, chief executive of the British Liver Trust, said: “Organ donation can truly be the gift of life and we owe donors and their families a massive debt of gratitude.

“However, every year hundreds of people tragically die while waiting for a liver transplant because there are more people on the waiting list than livers available.

“The waiting list for a donor organ is now the largest it has ever been – with a 50 per cent increase in adults in need of a new liver compared with 2019/2020.

“We therefore urge everyone to share their wishes with their family and also confirm their decision on the NHS Organ Donor Register to provide further reassurance.”