Ross County FC fans urged to mark passing of football-daft Alness man Dylan Bogue who has died aged 23
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A COMMUNITY which helped dramatically broaden the horizons of an Easter Ross wheelchair-bound man is this weekend mourning his passing at the age of just 23.
Dylan Bogue, who lived with the condition Duchenne muscular dystrophy, inspired a remarkable community fundraising drive during the coronavirus lockdown.
Dylan, who lived in Alness, had an enthusiasm for getting out and about to music festivals and football matches despite his condition and dreamed of making a return to the beach which he hadn't visited since in his father's arms as a toddler.
Facing his 21st birthday during lockdown in a wheelchair that would only let him go one mile at a time, loved ones started a campaign to raise £22,000 for an all-terrain machine that would help him follow his dreams.
His aunt, Karen Brownlie, masterminded a fundraising campaign which saw many putting aside their coronavirus concerns to help out.
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The Ross-shire Journal supported the campaign which was generously supported by the community and resulted in the purchase of a bespoke machine.
His aunt said at the time: “This day would never have been possible without all that support. We as a family truly appreciate the generosity of everyone who has helped get his Extreme X8.
“He has had lots of fun already and enjoyed making a mess of his front grass dragging it into the house to make me hoover and mop again – can’t wait to see what adventures we can get up to.”
We reported on his return visit to the beach with his new wheels in May 2021. He said then: "It felt great to be on the beach. It is the first time I've been on the beach since I went there as a child with my dad.
"I loved it."
Sadly, Celtic-daft Dylan passed away peacefully with family by his side at Raigmore Hospital on February 24.
A celebration of his life was held yesterday at Inverness Crematorium with mourners asked to abide by Dylan's final wishes not to wear black. Instead they were asked to wear green or anything Celtic-related.
Before the service, a funeral cortege passed through Alness High Street allowing locals to pay their respects.
A funeral notice describes him as the beloved son of Mark Bogue and Sandrine Crampon, stepson of Correen, much-loved brother of Shannon, Stacey, Chantele and Levi, brother-in-law of Hateley and Jamie, grandson of Irene, George and granny Helen, uncle of Leo and Luci, nephew of Gordon and Karen, loved by all his cousins and a good friend to many."
Donations at his memorial service were invited for CHAS – Children’s Hospice Association Scotland.
Ross County Football Club will also today mark Dylan's passing at their home fixture in Dingwall against Motherwell.
Fans are invited to engage in a minute's applause in the 23rd minute to mark his passing.
His aunt Karen yesterday posted: "I will think of you every day, it’s the heartache of losing you that will never go away."
