Nicola Sturgeon: First Minister pays tribute to young Scots charity worker who died suddenly

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has paid tribute to a young charity worker who died suddently after falling ill on a Scottish beach earlier this month.

Aylesha Meades collapsed on St Ninian’s beach near Lerwick, Shetland, on Saturday, July 10.

She died in hospital in the early hours of Sunday morning.

The 25-year-old mother-of-one had worked for the award-winning charity Who Cares? Scotland, where she supported children and young people who had experience of life in the care system.

Ms Meades’ family attended a private funeral service at St Columba’s Church, Lerwick, on Saturday morning.

Taking to Twitter, Ms Sturgeon told her followers: “Aylesha will be missed by many. Her life was way too short but she made a difference.

“My thoughts are with the care community and everyone who loved her.”

Louise Hunter, Chief Executive of Who Cares? Scotland, wrote: “I’m deeply saddened by the loss of an incredible young woman.

Aylesha Meades collapsed on St Ninian’s beach near Lerwick, Shetland, on Saturday, July 10. (Credit: Facebook)

“Aylesha fought hard for the rights of care experienced people and her legacy lives on.”

In a separate statement, a spokesperson for the charity said: “Today we say goodbye to one of our own. Aylesha was a passionate campaigner for the rights of care experienced people in the Shetland Islands and across Scotland.

“She was an incredible, loving person and a wonderful mother to Aydon. She was fiercely loyal and worked tirelessly to create a better world for those who came after her.”

They added: “She will live on in our hearts and in our work. We love you Aylesha.”

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