A FUNDRAISER has been launched to support the family of much-loved Johnstone teenager Ayden Cochrane. 

The schoolboy lost his battle against cystic fibrosis earlier this month just days after he had been told he would be able to take ‘miracle’ drug Trikafta, despite it not being licensed in Europe and unavailable on the NHS.

Tragically, the day after loved ones shared the news on social media, Ayden’s condition deteriorated.

He was placed on a ventilator on Sunday and, on Monday, his family confirmed he had passed away.

A heartbreaking post shared on the ‘Aydens Journey’ Facebook page stated: “If love could have saved you, you would have lived forever.

READ MORE: Rangers and St Mirren fans hold minute's applause for Johnstone schoolboy Ayden Cochrane

“Our precious boy was too tired for this world and has gained his wings.

“We know how many people loved Ayden. He was an absolute warrior but he got tired and now he’s at peace and pain-free.”

Ayden’s death is a devastating blow for his mum Tracey and her husband Paul, both 33.

He will also be missed by his siblings Cody, 15, Dylan, 10, Lucie, four, and two-year-old Rueben.

To support them in these difficult times, kind-hearted friends and family have launched a GoFundMe fundraiser, with more than £1,000 already pledged by supporters.  

A relative of the family launched a fundraiser late on Wednesday evening to "make this sad time a little easier for Tracey and Paul". 

While sharing the fundraiser on the 'Aydens Journey' Facebook page, they wrote: "This has taken a lot for my cousins, Ayden’s incredible parents, to allow us to do this.

"They are two very proud people who absolutely adore their children and would provide them with the world if at all possible. 

"Any money raised will relieve a little pressure and hopefully they can put it towards making some happier memories with Ayden’s siblings and Ayden by their sides in spirit."

The fundraiser continues to gain support by the public with supporters stating their hearts were touched by Ayden's "fighting spirit". 

The relative who started the fundraiser wrote on the GoFundMe page: "This beautiful family are navigating through their darkest days.

"Let’s try bring them a little sunshine in Ayden’s honour."

The Gazette: Rangers fans held a minute's applause in last night's game against St Mirren to honour the Gers-daft schoolboyRangers fans held a minute's applause in last night's game against St Mirren to honour the Gers-daft schoolboy

Earlier this month, Tracey had penned a desperate plea to US drug firm Vertex to save her “wonderful boy” by granting him access to a drug known as Trikafta.

Hailed by Vertex as “almost a cure,” Trikafta can’t be prescribed by UK doctors as it hasn’t been granted a licence by the European Union. The only way sufferers can get the drug is if Vertex provide it under a ‘compassionate use’ scheme.

READ MORE: Tragic Ayden Cochrane, 13, loses cystic fibrosis battle just days after new 'wonder drug' hope

In a poignant social media tribute to her son, she wrote: “You were my whole life and I couldn’t have been more proud of everything you achieved, every mountain you climbed, every joke you cracked. You had a terribly difficult life, you deserved so much more, but we had the most amazing times as well and I will cherish them forever.

“You had so much love to give and watching you become a big brother was truly the most overwhelming thing I have ever seen.

“I will never stop telling Lucie and Reuben about you and showing them videos of how much you adored them and they adored you.”

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