Latest news with #ZacGunn
STV News
12-06-2025
- Health
- STV News
Motherwell FC lead tributes to seven-year-old who died following lung transplant
Tributes have been paid across Scotland to a seven-year-old boy from Motherwell who has tragically died just weeks after receiving a lung transplant. Zac Gunn, from Motherwell, was diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension in 2019, a rare condition that affects the heart and lungs. The youngster, who doctors said had always exceeded expectations, received a lung transplant at Great Ormond Street Hospital in London on May 17. Zac passed away surrounded by his loved ones on Monday, June 9. The seven-year-old, who had been dubbed a 'wee warrior', won over the hearts of his doctors and was awarded the Child of Courage prize at the Pride of Scotland Awards in 2022. With tributes pouring in, his loss has been felt across the country, and a JustGiving page has been set up for those who want to donate money that will go to the Gunn family. Among those paying tribute is Motherwell FC, who confirmed they will be making a significant contribution to the fund. They wrote on their club website: 'Zac Gunn, a devoted young Motherwell supporter, was diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension in 2019, a rare condition impacting the heart and lungs. 'His journey resonated deeply with many, showcasing his incredible courage and inspiring those around him. 'Tragically, Zac passed away earlier this month, and we are reaching out to the broader football community to unite in support of the Gunn family during this difficult time. 'Our goal is to raise sufficient funds to help his parents, Gordon and Ashley, provide Zac with the farewell he truly deserves. 'Though he will be greatly missed, his legacy will live on.' STV News 'Wee warrior' Zac Gunn won the Pride of Scotland Award Staff at Cathedral Primary School remembered Zac as the 'most beautiful, gracious and courageous boy'. A statement from the school read: 'It is with a heavy heart and much sadness that I share the news that Zac Gunn passed away on the evening of Monday June 9, surrounded by his mum, dad, and gran. Zac received a lung transplant at Great Ormond Street Hospital on May 17. 'During his short life, Zac lifted the spirits and brought deep joy to more people than most of us could ever hope to touch in our lifetime. Zac was, quite simply, the most beautiful, gracious and courageous boy I ever encountered and he never failed to live his wee life to the absolute full. 'Zac leaves a huge hole in each of our hearts and in the Cathedral school community. He will be sorely missed. 'We send our sincere condolences to Zac's family, particularly to his mum and dad, big brother and gran, assuring them of our love and prayers at this sad and difficult time. 'There wasn't a more devout wee boy than Zac. We ask Jesus to receive him into his loving arms in heaven, where there will be no more tears, pain or suffering.' The charity AR26 said that Zac's legacy will live on. They wrote: 'We are deeply saddened to share that Zac Gunn, our first AR26 Experience beneficiary and a huge inspiration behind this programme, has passed away. 'The Gunn family have been a huge part of the AR26 journey and Zac's legacy will live on, to know him was to love him – a true inspiration. 'Our thoughts and support are with the Gunn family at this heartbreaking time.' Musical duo Saint Phnx described Zac as a 'true warrior'. They said: 'Our hearts are sore and heavy hearing of the passing of a special young fan. 'Zac Gunn you showed strength like no other – a true warrior who touched the lives of everyone around him with his courage, bravery and light. To his incredible family – our hearts are with you. 'Happy place will forever carry your spirit Zac.' You can donate to Zac's GoFundMe here. Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
Daily Record
11-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
Scotland's 'child of courage' tragically dies after receiving lung transplant
Zac Gunn tragically passed away on Monday, June 9, surrounded by his family. Scotland's " child of courage" has tragically died just weeks after receiving a lung transplant. Zac Gunn, 7, sadly passed away on the evening of Monday, June 9, surrounded by his loved ones. Zac, from Motherwell, had received a lung transplant at Great Ormond Street Hospital in London on May 17. The brave youngster was diagnosed with Pulmonary Hypertension, a rare and extremely serious condition that affects the heart and lungs, in 2019. He put up a brave fight with his illness until the end. Announcing the tragedy online, staff at Cathedral Primary School in the Lanarkshire town remembered Zac as the "most beautiful, gracious and courageous boy." A statement from the school reads: "It is with a heavy heart and much sadness that I share the news that Zac Gunn passed away on the evening of Monday 9th June, surrounded by his mum, dad and gran. Zac received a lung transplant in Great Ormond Street Hospital on May 17. "During his short life, Zac lifted the spirits and brought deep joy to more people than most of us could ever hope to touch in our lifetime. Zac was, quite simply, the most beautiful, gracious and courageous boy I ever encountered and he never failed to live his wee life to the absolute full. "Zac leaves a huge hole in each of our hearts and in the Cathedral school community. He will be sorely missed. "We send our sincere condolences to Zac's family, particularly to his mum and dad, big brother and gran, assuring them of our love and prayers at this sad and difficult time. "There wasn't a more devout wee boy than Zac. We ask Jesus to receive him into his loving arms in heaven, where there will be no more tears, pain or suffering." Zac was awarded the Child of Courage prize at the Daily Record Pride of Scotland Awards in 2022. At the time, he walked the star-studded red carpet in Edinburgh alongside his beloved mum, Ashley, and dad, Gordon, before he scooped the award. Pictures from the event show Zac beaming from ear to ear as he lifted his well-deserved trophy. After presenting him with his award, Olympic curler Eve Muirhead said: 'To show such bravery and determination despite being so ill is awe-inspiring.' Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Zac was diagnosed with Pulmonary Hypertension after doctors ruled his blood vessels were too small for his heart to be able to pump blood through his body. He received the transplant last month from another child who would have been seriously unwell. Mum Ashley and dad Gordon previously told how it broke their hearts knowing that another youth would have to have died before their son's life could be saved. Because he was so small, his donor had to be under nine-years-old. As the opt-out system for organ donation does not apply to children under 16, Zac's life depended on a family making a difficult decision while their own child lay dying. Speaking at the time, Ashley said she hopes the parents who found themselves in the horrendous situation would realise that although their child's life cannot be saved, their organs could save the lives of others. Ashley told the Record: 'Zac is a very poorly little boy, although looking at him you would never know. He is in desperate need of a new set of lungs and is living on borrowed time. 'His dad and I were over the moon when he was put on the transplant list back in March especially as the new opt out law had kicked in, which we thought would increase the chances of finding a donor. 'But our joy was short-lived when doctors told us because he is so small Zac can only accept lungs from a baby or child up to the age of nine, which means a child will have to die for his life to be saved. 'Our hearts sank even further when we discovered the opt out law does not apply to anyone under the age of 16 which means parents will have to give their consent as their child lies dying. It's a horrible situation for any family to find themselves in, especially if they didn't see the question coming.' Motherwell Football Club paid tribute to "one of our own... the bravest little boy". A statement reads: "Sadly, we have lost one of our own. The bravest little boy Zac Gunn has lost his battle. His story of courage and bravery touched so many people. We will never, ever forget him. We send our condolences to the full Gunn family at this horrible time. RIP, Zac."
