Tributes have been paid to a ”loving, caring, thoughtful” Morgan Academy schoolboy who died last week at the age of 14.
Gavin Ryan Donald died suddenly after what is thought to be a respiratory problem brought on by his muscular dystrophy.
Despite his illness, Gavin was a ”regular third-year pupil” and was preparing for his prelims like all his classmates, his mum Elaine said.
The youngster contracted muscular dystrophy when he was 27-months-old and had been in a wheelchair since he was eight.
Despite his illness, Gavin always thought about others, lived a full life and was always positive, Elaine said.
”He was a very loving, caring, thoughtful wee boy. He went through a major spine operation four years ago, but even since then he has always taken his disability in his stride.”
She continued: ”He was always thinking about us he was supposed to be going to Rachel House in June, but because it was going to be my birthday and also father’s day he was telling us we had to be organised and buy presents for each other.
”Gavin was always extremely positive and although because of his illness he was physically immature, he was extremely mature sometimes in what he said. He was even a comfort to me when my mother died four years ago.”
Gavin was also an extremely popular pupil at Morgan and his former schoolmates have already shown their respect for him through a charitable donation and a minute’s applause at the Dundee Schools cup final last week.
Morgan Academy rector Stephen Shaw said: ”Gavin was a polite, respectful, lovely young man who always gave of his best in Morgan Academy and was much liked by all staff and pupils in the school.
”In return, Gavin really enjoyed being a part of Morgan Academy and he always looked so smart and well turned out in his school uniform.
”In the weeks before he passed away Gavin was involved in sitting his S3 exams and he really seemed to enjoy the experience and was enthusiastic about his work.
”He particularly mentioned his art and English exams. In his English essay he wrote about his electronic wheelchair and his uncle spoke affectionately about his English essay at Gavin’s funeral.
”Everyone in the school misses Gavin although his classmates and class teachers and the staff in the Support for Learning Department, who worked closely with Gavin, particularly miss him.
”Our senior pupils Interact/Charity committee in consultation with Gavin’s family requested that £300 of our recent charity fundraising goes to Rachel House, Kinross, in memory of Gavin, and this has now been done.
”Our under-15s football team made it through to the Dundee Schools cup final last Friday night, which took place at Dens Park. The team was made up largely of S3 boys, Gavin’s peers.
”At the request of the boys, and with the permission of Gavin’s family, prior to the match, the officials, spectators and the opposing squad joined our Morgan boys in a one-minute standing ovation in memory of Gavin.”
Mr Shaw added: ”More generally, Gavin was an excellent example and role model for our pupils about adopting a positive approach to life and achieving your potential whatever your circumstances.
”We will miss him and our thoughts continue to be with his family at this time.”