Tributes to inspirational Nairn mum Susan Hey who has lost cancer battle three years after the disease claimed the life of son Hamish (8)
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Nairn mum and fundraising champion Susan Hey died this week after a five-year fight with incurable breast cancer.
The 41-year-old and her family set up a charity in memory of eight-year-old Hamish who lost his own battle with cancer.
Mrs Hey, along with husband Sam and teenage daughter Lily, established the Team Hamish fundraising group which generated tens of thousand of pounds for charity, as well as the money for a Nairn waterfront scheme.
Hamish, who suffered from two forms of a rare cancer, passed away in 2017.
Mr Hey said: “Susan was a wonderful mum and wife, and a friend to many people.
“She was infectious and she touched the hearts of everyone that she met. She had a great understanding of people, and she had time for everyone.
“I know that her death will be sad for so many people who will, like me and Lily, miss her desperately.
“I built my life around Susan for 23 years, and I cannot imagine life without her. But with the light she brought to us, and to so many people – her legacy will live on.”
Mr Hey posted a message on the Team Hamish Facebook page announcing Mrs Hey’s death.
It read: “It is so tragically heartbreaking that I have to write this post – Hamish’s beautiful mum, Susan, lost her lengthy battle with cancer in the early hours of Tuesday morning, having fought with unequivocal determination for the last five years.
“Susan will be desperately missed by all those whose hearts she touched through her gentle and open kindness.
“I take consolation in believing that Hamish has now been reunited with his mummy to send us rainbows together forever.”
Team Hamish attracted support from across the world with its vision for a new splash pad play area on the waterfront in Nairn.
Work on the park had been due to start in March, but has been delayed due to the coronavirus restrictions.
The news has touched the hearts of many people.
Nairn area Highland councillor Tom Heggie said: “Susan has fought many battles in her life and shown great courage in all. She was a talented teacher. Her young son Hamish also fought illness and all the family rallied round.
“The family formed their fundraising effort, Team Hamish, to remember Hamish after his sad death and have subsequently raised a massive sum of money in his memory. At the end of 2019, it was agreed to use £100,000 of this in conjunction with Nairn Common Good Fund and Highland Council to replace the ageing paddling pool at the Links in Nairn with a splash pad. Unfortunately, this was put on hold during the lockdown and will begin as soon as possible.
“I find it sad that Susan could not see this work completed.
“Susan has faced all the challenges she experienced in life with courage and grace. She will be sadly missed by many but especially by her family and I hope they can take comfort from the fact that there will be a joint and lasting memory for her and Hamish in the town.”
Nairn councillor Liz MacDonald said: “This is very sad news for a family who have been through so much and made such a positive influence on our town and across the UK.
“My thoughts and condolences are with Susan’s family. She brought a rainbow to cloudy days and will be very much missed by all who had met her.”
