THE mum of a tragic teenager has thanked people across Renfrewshire for keeping the memory of her son alive.

Helen Laird said her family’s worst fear was that Stephen Roy, who was just 18 when he died from bowel cancer, would “soon be forgotten.”

But she has praised a host of people who have worked tirelessly to make sure the Paisley teenager’s life continues to be celebrated.

Helen said: “My partner Ian, daughter Nicola and myself were worried that our wonderful son and brother might soon disappear from people’s minds.

“However, so many people in so many ways have helped to keep Stephen fresh in people’s memories. We want to thank everyone for this wonderful gift in the midst of our grief.”

Stephen was a talented goalkeeper who had played for several teams, including Harmony Row, Glenvale and Paisley Grammar School.

Even when he was diagnosed with cancer, the teenager wanted to give something back and he helped to coach young goalkeepers through the John Hillcoat Academy.

One of the many events to be held in Stephen’s name since he passed away in July last year is The Stephen Roy Memorial Trophy tournament.

It was held at Harmony Row’s ground, Alex Ferguson Park, last September.

One of the event organisers was Stephen Gilles, whose son Jordan was one of Stephen’s best friends in high school and both went on to study at engineering college.

He said: “Stephen was an incredibly popular and well-loved 18-year-old who had his whole life ahead of him.

“We hope that this tournament will help to keep him in our memories. It is hoped that the event can be held annually and an engraved commemorative shield will be presented each year to the winning team.”

In October, a fundraising calendar featuring children and adults with a cancer diagnosis was dedicated in Stephen’s memory.

It was launched at a ball organised by Caroline Stewart in aid of Cancer Research UK and, so far, over £45,000 has been raised.

Helen said: “Stephen had planned to be included in the calendar but he was just too ill at the time.

“He was due to start an apprenticeship at BAE in Scotstoun. The company framed and mounted one of his work polo tops embroidered with his name, with a plaque attached, which hangs in their training centre.

“The team at Harmony Row sent up a signed goalkeeper’s shirt, which now hangs in the club’s meeting room.

“We were also given mounted goalie shirts from Glenvale and Paisley Grammar School, including the shirt Stephen wore when they won the Scottish Schools Shield in 2011. Both of these are in his bedroom.

“There have also been other fundraising events for the Teenage Cancer Trust at the Bungalow Bar, in Paisley, and other places.

“Sometimes, I have been stopped by people in the street just wanting to offer their condolences.

“There was a lady at the petrol station Stephen used who recognised me. She told me that, every time Stephen came in, he was always well mannered and was always smiling.

“It’s little things like that, as well as the fundraising events, which help us as a family to realise Stephen touched many people’s lives and he is and will be remembered.”

The fundraising efforts in Stephen’s memory will continue later this year when his girlfriend’s mum Lesley Verner runs the London Marathon in aid of CLIC Sargent – a charity that helped Stephen both emotionally and financially.

Helen said: “Lesley is holding a fundraising race night on January 13 at the Caledonia Bowling Club, in Paisley, and if anyone is able to help out with raffle prizes, it would be greatly appreciated.”

If you can help to support the fundraising drive, call The Gazette on 0141 435 8888.