In memory of Scott Wilkie

Please read:

Many of you will have known or been acquainted with Scott.

Whether as a passing dog walker on Shoreham Beach, or as witness to infamous dance skills showcased on tables at the Marlipins.

Whether you knew him as a friendly neighbour, or joined him in volunteering for the homeless.

You may have first met him as Claudia’s husband, or as mine and Titch’s step-dad. Very likely you met him as a main character amongst friends - his band of boyish brothers. You’d have grown to know him as Scottie.

If you were lucky to have known Scott, you’ll remember his big blue eyes, cheeky grin and belly-deep Yorkshire laugh.

Scott loved his friends, family, puppy Shilo, football and Shoreham. His ashes were scattered on Shoreham beach on his 58th birthday, by request.

My brother and I loved him because he often made being a teenager a little easier. As a parent, he listened, loved, diffused and didn’t judge - from the first hangover to the “last word”.

I was humbled to hear after Scott’s death that this was an experience shared with so many.

We lost Scott to Bowel cancer earlier this year, aged 57. His diagnosis came only weeks before his death and Scott deteriorated extremely quickly, leaving family and friends unexpectedly without a best friend, husband and parent and lots of confusion, denial and disbelief.

Despite being a hard worker, with two decades service as a Scots Guard, Scott had been unwell and out of work since covid and as such at his time of death he had no estate.

His funeral was due to be paid for using a social fund, with confirmed eligibility. However the funding was reduced by over 90% after the service had already taken place, leaving myself and Maggie at the Marlipins to try and make up the shortfall.

Whilst Scott was loved by many, our family of 3 is small and due to Scott’s rapid deterioration, I was the only close family member living in England when he died. The unexpected nature of his passing left no time for anyone to financially or logistically prepare.

Losing a parental figure in your early twenties is not something I would wish on anyone. I have contributed as much as possible to all the necessary end of life costs, as have family and the wonderful Maggie who has been selflessly helpful throughout.

However, due to loss of the funding, there’s still a significant bill left to pay and of course, we cannot leave the funeral home out of pocket.

Scott was too proud to ask for help, but he’d often use his last tenner to help his friends if they needed it - both his blessing and his curse. If you did know Scott, or were empathic to his story, any support to settle the bill for his funeral would be appreciated more than you could know.

It would be wonderful if there were any left over donations for Bowel Research UK. Smiley, strong 50 year old men shouldn’t die in a matter of weeks and Bowel Research UK are trying to change that.

Maggie is hosting her own fundraiser at the Marlipins on November 29th if you’d prefer to donate in person. She supported all of Scott’s end of life arrangements and is in direct contact with the funeral home to facilitate payment. If you cannot donate, please do still pop in to celebrate Scott’s life and show Maggie some love - she’s one of the world’s good ones.