Almost £5,000 has poured into a crowdfunding campaign for a memorial to tragic Angus youngster Ruby Walker.
The Arbroath 10-year-old passed away in Newcastle Royal Victoria Infirmary at the weekend having succumbed to sepsis fewer than six months after undergoing a long-awaited double lung transplant at the north east city’s Freeman Hospital.
Diagnosed with cystic fibrosis at just weeks old, Ruby was then struck by a viral condition which badly damaged her lungs, leaving her reliant on oxygen.
Her courageous fight against the difficulties she encountered during her young life were an inspiration to her family, friends and the local community and her sudden death has generated hundreds of tributes to the “wee angel”.
Ruby’s mum, Diane Boyd revealed the heartbreaking moment her daughter’s life support machine was switched of at the weekend, a few short weeks after the Hayshead Primary School pupil had returned to the classroom to be with her P6 pals.
A Ruby’s Dreams Facebook page which was initially set up with the aim of helping the tot meet her pop favourite Olly Murs – a bucket list dream which came true when he sent her a personal video message and then met the Angus youngster at his Glasgow concert – helped launched the Justgiving crowdfunder which has already rocketed through its target.
The money is to be used for a headstone for Ruby following her funeral, arrangements for which have yet to be made, and a memorial to the popular youngster.
An initial £2,000 target was passed within hours of the page being launched, and on Tuesday almost 250 people helped surpass the revised total of £4,000.
As of Wednesday afternoon the amount raised was £4,910.
Ruby has been described as “an inspiration” by many of those who have already supported the fund.
Surplus donations will go towards the charities and organisations which helped Ruby throughout her life.
Mum Diane regularly spoke of her admiration for the work of medical staff in Tayside, Edinburgh and Newcastle who were involved in Ruby’s care, particularly in the crucial period from the end of last year when she became critically ill after one of her damaged lungs collapsed.
Following the delicate March transplant operation, Diane also spoke during Ruby’s recovery of the importance of people being organ donors.
Sadly, because of the blood poisoning which claimed Ruby’s life, none of her organs could be donated and Diane has expressed her sorrow over that.
The family and those associated with Ruby have said they hope people will think about the work of the Cystic Fibrosis Trust following her passing, as well as Jeans for Genes day, an annual UK fundraiser which aims to help half a million youngsters living with a life-altering genetic disorder.
