A young Glasgow mum, who was described as 'one of the kindest people', passed away on New Year's Day after suffering from meningitis.
Bella McOuat was 'devoted' to her three-year-old son James and husband of four years, John.
The 24-year-old was diagnosed with meningitis on December 30 before dying two days later, reports the Daily Record
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Friends hailed Bella as 'beautiful inside and out'.
Friend Caitlyn Daly said: "Bella was the best mum to her son, an amazing wife to her husband John, and one of the kindest people.
A second added: "Bella was the most beautiful woman ever, a fab mama, an amazing wife."
A third friend said: "So heartbreaking that Bella has been taken so young & so suddenly. She was beautiful inside & out. A devoted wife, mother, daughter, sister & friend."
Staf (Scottish Throughcare and Aftercare Forum) paid tribute to the Youth Just Us member and thanked charity Meningitis Now for the support they had given to Bella's family in recent days.
They said: "We are deeply saddened and heartbroken by the loss of our dear friend Bella McOuat who died suddenly on the 1st January, 2023. Bella was a much-loved long-term member of Youth Just Us, who used her lived experience to improve the lives of other care and justice experienced young people.
"Over the past couple of years, she has become a firm friend to many here at Staf, and in particular to her fellow Youth Just Us members and will be hugely missed by all. Her recent involvement at our National Conference was a testament to Bella’s passion and the journey she has been on, being able to share her views on the value of friendship.
"We are so grateful to have witnessed her desire for change in action. Her beautifully written and heartfelt blog on the John Lewis Christmas ad was so well received and again, demonstrated just how much she had to give.
"We would like to pass on our thoughts and sincere condolences to Bella’s husband John, her son James and all those who knew her. Shine bright Bella. Thank you for being such a star.
"We would also like to thank Meningitis Now for being a huge support for Bella’s family during this very difficult time."
The inspiring mum was a spirited activist for young people in care and campaigned endlessly for changes to be made to the system after growing up in care herself.
Following the release of the John Lewis Christmas advertin 2022, Bella wrote a blog post which was published just two months ago to thank the company for 'pulling the curtain down' for showing that festive period is not amazing for everyone and for many children in care it is a 'lonely' and 'scary time'.
The 24-year-old explained that some Christmas ads were a difficult watch for her as she was reminded of her 10-year-old self all alone in a care home with no family and challenged authorities to do more to bring the magic of Christmas to children living in care.
The blog was met with huge applause by those with similar experiences for honest and heartfelt words.
A GoFundMe page has been set up to raise money for the cost of Bella's funeral.
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