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Community / First minister pays tribute to local woman who died suddenly

FIRST minister Nicola Sturgeon has paid tribute to a young Shetland woman who died suddenly last month.

Aylesha Meades at a care event in Lerwick in 2019. Photo: SIC

She said that Aylesha Meades’ life was “way too short, but she made a difference”.

The 25-year-old had worked with voluntary organisation Who Cares? Scotland, which supports care experienced people.

Sturgeon said on Twitter that “Aylesha will be missed by many”.

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

The first minster met Aylesha through her work with care experienced people.

Speaking on the day of her funeral, which was held yesterday (Saturday), Who Cares? Scotland said on Twitter: “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. She will live on in our hearts and in our work.”

Police investigating the sudden death said on Sunday they had no further update. Aylesha became unwell at the St Ninian’s beach in early July and was taken to hospital.

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