A north-east cancer sufferer who inspired thousands of people by sharing the highs and lows of his disease has died.
After Cammy Smith had a bone marrow transplant last year he told his army of supporters in June that he had beaten leukaemia – for the second time in three years.
He married Stephanie, who was by his side throughout his illness, last August.
It is understood that Cammy, 26, had been back in hospital recently suffering from an infection.
Last night hundreds of tributes were paid to the Dons fan, with messages of support pouring in for his wife and daughter, Lily.
Fellow football fans are planning to unveil a banner in his memory at Saturday’s Aberdeen v Inverness Caledonian Thistle match at Pittodrie.
One man, who went to Hazlehead Academy with Cammy, wrote on a social networking site: “Stay strong Steph. My thoughts are with you and your girl at this sad time. Cammy was a true gentleman from the moment I met him at school. I know he will still be with you in your heart forever.
“You have both been a massive inspiration to many people, and have done a lot for the charities that help the people that most need the help in a horrendous time in life.”
Cammy, of Summerhill, Aberdeen, was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia in March 2010, but was given the all-clear in August that year. However, 14 months later his family were told the cancer had returned and that only a bone marrow transplant would save him.
They immediately launched a fundraising campaign to help cover the costs involved and to raise vital funds for the Friends of Anchor charity.
In February, Cammy had a potentially lifesaving operation after a worldwide search for a donor. During his weeks in hospital, he and his wife regularly updated his army of supporters about his progress via the social networking site.
Last night, the page was inundated with loving messages for the offshore worker and his family.
One woman wrote: “I haven’t seen Cammy in years but will always remember him from primary school as the cutest and most charming little boy in class.
“His story has been such an inspiration and it’s absolutely heartbreaking that it had to have such a sad ending.
“We’ll never forget his selfless dedication to telling his story and raising awareness of this terrible disease, even through the hardest of times. RIP Cammy – lost but never forgotten x.”