More than £15,000 has been raised to help pay for the funeral of a much-loved young man with an “infectious smile”.
Jamie Aitchison, aged just 20, died last week after being reported missing from his home in Bathgate, leaving his family and friends devastated.
His step-sister Emily Knox led tributes to Jamie, saying his death had left her “heartbroken”.
She said: “Blood doesn’t determine a sibling, it’s family and love that does.
“Growing up I was lucky enough to grow up surrounded by brothers including my two step-brothers, Jamie and Bailey, with Jamie being my older brother.
“I’m absolutely heartbroken to lose a boy I considered my brother, and even more so when realising our youngest brother Oscar will grow up without you.”
Jamie’s cousin Nelly Khan added: “Where to start, my heart hurts so much Jamie – from changing your nappies, to nursery runs, school runs, to having a pint – I watched you grow into a lovely young man.
“I have so many memories of you cuz you’re gonna be missed so much, love you always Jamie.”
A GoFundMe page was set up by family friend Michelle Chalmers that has already raised £15,500 to help Jamie’s mum Debbieanne and his family pay for his funeral.
Michelle said: “As the closest friends of Debbieanne, we would like to support her to help give her beautiful boy Jamie the best send-off he deserves.
“It’s hard enough for any mother to lose her child so we would like to support her through this and not having her worrying about funeral costs on top of it all.”
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