Versuchen GOLD - Frei

'Our wee warrior'

Hamilton Advertiser

|

June 19, 2025

Devastated parents pay tribute to beloved Zac after tragic death following lung transplant

- HEATHER GREENAWAY

The mother of Pride of Scotland’s Child of Courage Zac Gunn has paid tribute to her “magical wee warrior” who died tragically last week.

The smiley seven-year-old, who won hearts wherever he went, passed away peacefully in London's Great Ormond Street Hospital on Monday, June 9, just weeks after receiving a long-awaited lung transplant.

His devastated mum Ashley, 38, and dad Gordon, 39, who held Zac while he took his last breath, say they were blessed to have been his parents and their lives will never be the same without him.

Ashley, from Motherwell, said: “Zac was the most amazing wee boy who fought hard every day of his life to survive. We hoped his new lungs would be the answer to all our prayers but tragically that was not to be.

“Just before he died Gordon said ‘I wish I could see our boy’s smile one more time’ and at that moment Zac opened his eyes and smiled at his dad. He was heavily sedated so I have no idea how he did it. Typical Zac though.

“A few minutes later Zac, who was dressed in his favourite Motherwell strip passed away. We were lying beside him and I felt his last heartbeat with my hand. It was kind of beautiful.”

She added: “Losing Zac is the worst thing that has ever happened to us. He was our little warrior and made more of an impression in his seven short years than most folk make in a long lifetime.

“Zac was a one-off, a real character, who made his presence and his feelings known to everyone around him. No one is going to forget him in a hurry that’s for sure.

“Gordon and I feel blessed to be his parents and delighted he was sent to us. He lives on in his big brother Jacob who was Zac’s hero and continues to be our rock.”

WEITERE GESCHICHTEN VON Hamilton Advertiser

Hamilton Advertiser

MBE delight for nurse chief Deirdre

Doctor's recognition for her work in services for public protection

time to read

2 mins

January 08, 2026

Hamilton Advertiser

'We want to rebuild relationship with SFA'

New Hamilton Accies owner Rob Edwards wants to rebuild the club’s fractured relationship with the SFA and SPFL after they were hammered with sanctions over the past several months.

time to read

4 mins

January 08, 2026

Hamilton Advertiser

Firm fined £12,900 following accident

A firm has been fined £12,900 after two workers were badly hurt when an overhead crane crashed into equipment they were using.

time to read

1 mins

January 08, 2026

Hamilton Advertiser

Hamilton Advertiser

Honour for top cop Stevie

Lanarkshire's former top cop has been recognised in the King's New Year Honours List.

time to read

1 min

January 08, 2026

Hamilton Advertiser

Hamilton Advertiser

Bakery staff cook up free Christmas feasts

Cadzow team create three-course dinners for the needy

time to read

3 mins

January 01, 2026

Hamilton Advertiser

Venue is in good shape for new year

The fitness studio at Hamilton Water Palace is set to reopen early in the new year following a major refurbishment - with the venue's gym also then welcoming back customers the following week.

time to read

2 mins

January 01, 2026

Hamilton Advertiser

Double family tragedy was a festive agony for gran

A Blantyre gran rocked by a double death tragedy has shared her pain over losing her granddaughter and daughter in the space of just nine months.

time to read

1 mins

January 01, 2026

Hamilton Advertiser

Hamilton Advertiser

Scotland hero Kenny joining crucial charity in new project

McLean becomes SMILE ambassador

time to read

1 mins

December 18, 2025

Hamilton Advertiser

Hamilton Advertiser

Christmas joy was in no short supply for group

It was smiles all round for LEAP’s Centenary Gardens Friendship Group when they celebrated Christmas in fashion.

time to read

1 min

December 18, 2025

Hamilton Advertiser

SMILE raising retreat funding

Bighearted SMILE hosted a ball in aid of a very special cause in the area recently.

time to read

1 mins

December 18, 2025

Listen

Translate

Share

-
+

Change font size