'Our wee warrior'

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.”