A tragic mum who died trying to save her young son from the sea had just been diagnosed with diabetes – and immediately set up a support group for fellow sufferers.
Julie Walker went into the waves at Aberdeen beach after six-year-old Lucas fell into the water.
The schoolboy’s older brother Samuel, 13, also made a heroic rescue bid.
Ms Walker and Lucas were both pulled from the water but later died in hospital.
Samuel is understood to be still recovering at the Royal Aberdeen Children’s Hospital.
Last night, community leaders in the Northfield area of Aberdeen where mum-of-four Ms Walker lived said her reaction to her diabetes diagnosis was typical of the “selfless dedication” she showed to her community.
They said the “quiet and unassuming mum” would have been surprised to find out “just how many hearts she had touched”.
Donna Sim, who runs the Cummings Park Community Flat, said she was “still expecting her to walk in” with a big smile as usual.
She said: “She was going to start doing a diabetes group. She had not long been diagnosed.
“She was going to have a get-together chat group.
“She was up for doing anything we asked of her – so long as she could fit it around her family. Family always came first.
“People are still in a state of shock. Julie was quite well known. There were a few tears here yesterday.
“I have been surprised how many people have said they knew her.
“I think Julie would be quite surprised at how many friends she had.”
An uncollected certificate recognising Ms Walker’s part in a litter-pick in June provides a poignant reminder that she will not be returning to the centre where she took part in many different activities.
A tree is to be planted in the garden as a lasting memorial to her.
Jacqui Innes, chairwoman of the nearby Northfield community centre, recalled laughing with Ms Walker about pet clothes just hours before she died.
She said: “I saw her on Saturday morning. I had to laugh – she was buying a hoodie for the dog. We were joking about it.”
She said the sense of shock in the community underlined how much good work Ms Walker had done with so many local groups.
She added: “I did not realise just how many hearts she had touched.”
A special service of remembrance will be held for Ms Walker and Lucas tomorrow at 6pm at the ex-ATC huts off Moir Drive in Northfield.
It is understood the family had been playing on a stretch of sea wall opposite the seafront branch of Pizza Hut when Lucas fell into the sea around 4.45pm on Saturday.
Passersby, including off-duty police officers, were involved in the rescue effort.
Lucas was described earlier this week as a “lovely little boy” by his head teacher at Bramble Brae School, where he had just started primary three.
Amanda Murray said everyone at the school was still in a state of shock.
Numerous floral tributes, toys and messages have been left near the spot where the youngster fell into the sea.
