The family of a 21-year-old Angus student killed in a road crash have told how she was set to become a “brilliant” nurse.
Leanne McDonald was fatally injured after her car careered into a wall at around 9.40pm on the A937 in Angus.
Speaking at the family home in Montrose, mum Audrey led tributes to her “thoughtful” and “caring” daughter.
She said: “She was a very popular girl, she had loads of friends and she would have made a brilliant nurse as she was such a caring person.”
Holding back the tears as she described her daughter, Audrey added: “She was a member of The Gordon School of Dancing from the age of two and actually danced on the Great Wall of China when she was 15.
“As much as Leanne was a girly girl with her hair and her make-up, she also loved camping and she wasn’t afraid to get muddy. I use to say to her you are a boy as well as a girl.”
The Robert Gordon University student, who would have graduated as a paediatric nurse in September, had already secured a conditional job for the Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow.
She was also a fan of Montrose Football Club.
Her brother Lyle said: “She became a massive supporter of Montrose in the last few years and used to come to the games with me and dad. She also worked at the club as a waitress to earn some extra money whilst she was a student, she used to have great craic with the players.”
Her father John said: “Even at high school she was the first to try to help. There was a girl who had collapsed during assembly with an epileptic fit
and Leanne was the first person there trying to help.
“She had helped so much that the girl’s mother sought her out to thank her personally and the school commended her for it.
“She used that particular incident as part of her personal statement to get into university but she would have done anything for anyone. That’s just the type of person she was.”
Audrey also remembered her daughter’s hectic social life, saying with a smile: “Leanne was also a party animal. She loved the social side of life, and she was probably at her happiest when she was with her friends.”
Lyle added: “I think they used to go out every night, she loved being with her friends.”
Leanne’s father thanked the number of wellwishers who had got in contact, particularly one of her mentors at her last placement up in Aberdeen, who
said she would be a huge loss to the university.
Inquiries into the crash on Sunday at North Craigo are ongoing.
Leanne was soon to qualify
Former Montrose Academy pupil Leanne was about to qualify as a children’s nurse.
She was studying at Robert Gordon University’s School of Nursing and Midwifery in Aberdeen.
Professor Ian Murray, head of the department, said: “Leanne was about to qualify as a children’s nurse and had a promising career ahead of her.
“She was a popular student who was progressing well with her studies and was due to take up a post as a staff nurse later this year. This is a tragic loss to her family and friends to whom we send our heartfelt condolences.”
Montrose FC also paid tribute to Leanne, who assisted in the hospitality lounge at Links Park on matchdays.
The club said in a statement: “It is with great sorrow the club reports the tragic death of Leanne McDonald following a car accident near Craigo. Leanne assisted on many occasions within hospitality at the club and will be sadly missed.
“Montrose Football Club extends its deepest sympathy and condolences to her family, friends and colleagues.”
Leanne’s car, a grey Citroen C3, was understood to be the only vehicle involved in the crash.
There were no other passengers.
A police spokeswoman said: “Inquiries into the full set of circumstances of the incident are ongoing and Tayside Division would appeal for anyone who may have information that could assist officers with their inquiries to contact Tayside Division on 101.”
