Warm tributes have been paid to a “superstar” Stirling man after he died aged just 23.
Arryn Widd, from St Ninians, passed away unexpectedly on May 10 at Forth Valley Royal Hospital.
Arryn - who was diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy at the age of just four but was determined to live a full life - suddenly suffered difficulty breathing while eating dinner.
He was rushed to hospital and died two days later.
This week, he was described as a “superstar” who will be “remembered fondly” for his “cheeky smile and sense of humour”.
Arryn lost the ability to walk just before he was nine. He used a wheelchair full time and had no strength left in his arms but he was well known as a talented powerchair footballer.
His courage and determination have seen people who knew and respected him flock to pay tribute to his life.
Dad Dean, 47, said: “Arryn was a courageous, liked, well-known young man.
“Many families within the muscular dystrophy community had met, or knew of him.”
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When Arryn suddenly fell unwell while having dinner on Sunday, May 8, his dad and mum Yvonne, 53, used a resuscitation or ambu bag, before taking the decision to call 999 as his condition wasn’t improving.
Arryn was taken to Forth Valley Royal Hospital and admitted into ICU.
On the Tuesday morning, Dean took Arryn’s electric wheelchair to the ward after he requested it, along with fresh clothes - and they were hopeful that their son’s condition was improving.
But unfortunately Arryn began to suffer more breathing difficulties just hours later.
A consultant said his vital statistics had dropped and things were not looking good.
He advised that the family should go and spend time with Arryn and they sat by his bedside.
Arryn passed away at 2.10pm, with his mum and dad, and his mum’s sister Erika at his side.
Shortly thereafter, his grandad and sister Mia, 12, arrived. Later in the afternoon his brother Ryan, 32, arrived along with Arryn’s cousin, Kieran.
Arryn was involved in powerchair football with the Riverside Powerchair football club and scored the goal that won his team Riverside their first league title and was also a keen Boccia player and member of the Right on Target Boccia group.
Jean Duncan, from the group said: “Arryn was a founder member of the club and has attended since the club was established in 2008.
“Arryn will be remembered fondly by all the club members for his cheeky smile and sense of humour.
“He may have come across as the quiet, laid-back guy but he could make his point with his expressive eyes and hilarious looks.
“Arryn enjoyed his Boccia and successfully competed in many local, regional and national competitions winning medals in events the length and breadth of Scotland.
“Arryn was also recognised for his achievements in Boccia when he won the Sports Personality of the Year at the Forth Valley Disability Sports Awards in 2016. Arryn was a great ambassador and role model to new players particularly in the BC-3 class and readily offered his support, care and advice to upcoming players unselfishly.”
She added: “Arryn will be truly missed by all the club. Fly high superstar.”
Kieran Burns, of Riverside Powerchair Football Club, said: “Arryn was a great person to be around and a very talented powerchair football player.
“No-one had a bad word to say about him, watching his face light up every time he played our game reminded you what it was all about.
“He scored the goal that won his team their first league title and in a short space of time Arryn became one of the most liked people in our community. My heart breaks for his family and teammates and he will forever be part of the sport’s history and remembered for much more.”
In 2016, Arryn was a baton bearer for the Commonwealth Games and wheeled the length of the Bannockburn Road, cheered on by the crowds gathered there. That earned him a moment of fame, appearing on television.
When he later went to see a Still Game concert, he disappeared and was discovered chatting to a security guard who had recognised him from the baton bearing.
Also in 2016, Arryn attended ‘An Experience with Arnold Schwarzenegger’ – at which he got to meet and have his photo with the Hollywood legend.
Dean added: “There are many more experiences I could share. We have tried our best as parents to make his short time as fulfilled as possible.
“He will leave a huge hole in the lives of those who knew him and the on-line Xbox forums will feel his loss of chatter, jokes and wit amongst the gamers.”
The family have raised thousands of pounds for Muscular Dystrophy UK.
Family friend and regional development manager at Muscular Dystrophy UK, Susanne Driffield, has launched an online fundraiser to help towards the costs of Arryn’s funeral.
She is hoping to raise £5,000 to ease the burden of the funeral costs on the shattered family. At the time of print, over £3,500 had been raised.
To donate to the fundraiser, click here.
