Inverness boy ‘loved beyond measure’ dies aged six after lifelong health battle
Tributes and messages of support for a grief-stricken family have been shared online following the tragic passing of a six-year-old boy from Inverness who faced a lifetime of health battles on several fronts.
The father of Lucas Shields (6) posted on Facebook: “It is with a ‘heavy heart’ that at 04.21 on the 25th of march 2025 our Beautiful son LUCAS JAMES SHIELDS. fell asleep peacefully after a long difficult battle with many health issues.
“We would like to thank the many people who have helped Lucas on his journey and supported him along the way to give him the best life possible. Sleep easy ‘our beautiful boy’.”
We reported on the family’s story back in 2020 when Lucas, aged just one at the time, and battling aplastic anaemia and bone marrow failure, was given the all-clear to return home to Inverness after a two-month stay in hospital in Glasgow but his parents were struggling with an unexpected fault with their car, leading family friend Shelley Gill to set up an online fundraiser for them.
They were quickly supported then by the community who have again been to the fore in offering their condolences following the sad loss of Lucas.
A further crowdfunder has been set up by Ms Gill to help with funeral costs
As part of that appeal she says: “Lucas was a warrior and was loved beyond measure by his parents and brothers.
“He loved school, loved life and was a character that brought joy and laughter to all he met.
“His family have been left with broken hearts and a gaping hole in their lives.”
A £3000 target has been set to help with funeral costs, with £1885 raised so far.
Among further tributes paid online Leeanne Aitkenhead said: “Your beautiful boy, he fought a courageous battle with daddy always by his side.”
And Shannon Marie Shields said: “I'm so sorry to hear this, thinking of you all. Sleep tight beautiful boy.”
