Tributes paid to 'diamond' Celtic fan who died after falling ill at Hoops convention in Las Vegas
24.06.2022 - 20:57
/ dailyrecord.co.uk
Tributes have been paid to a Celtic superfan mum who died after being rushed to hospital from a club convention in Las Vegas.
Ellen Cassidy, 54, had been given a shock cancer diagnosis after falling unwell whilst at the Hoops event in America last week.
The Glasgow Sheriff Court worker's son, Kevin Martin, was getting ready to fly to America to be by his mum's bedside on Thursday night when he received a call to say she had tragically passed away.
Ellen, from Springburn, was on a 10-day holiday with pals when she started suffering from pain near her kidneys and extreme fatigue.
She was taken to Sunrise Hospital and Medical Centre in Southern Nevada where doctors found gallbladder cancer and removed the organ.
But the aggressive cancer had already spread to Ellen's lungs, kidneys and liver, and son Kevin, 32, was told his mum wouldn't have long to live.
He told the Daily Record: "My mum always wanted to be cremated so I'm going to hold a memorial mass when I bring her home."
He added: "This has been the most difficult week of my life.
"My mum flew to Vegas for a dream holiday and now I have to bring her ashes home.
"She was so excited before she left. Never did I think in a million years it would have ended like this.
"It has been a horrendous few days."
Ellen's family and friends have been left heartbroken by her passing, with many taking to social media to pay their respects.
Friend Anne Shaw said "Such sad news, Kevin.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Your mum was a lovely lady, best wishes, Anne and Tich."
Christopher Nelson added: "I’ve known Ellen and Kevin for as long as I can remember, she was a great laugh to be around, never seen her without a smile on her face.
"I’m gutted I’ve just heard the