A north-east Dons fan who never let a rare medical condition prevent him from living his life to the fullest has died.
As a youngster, Steven Oliver was diagnosed with Friedreich’s ataxia – an illness that causes progressive damage to the nervous system – and was forced to rely on a wheelchair from the age of 14.
Last week, the 31-year-old from Oldmeldrum was taken to hospital for what was expected to be a short stay, however his condition deteriorated and he lost his battle with the sickness.
His mother Yvonne, 59, said: “We thought he was just going to hospital for a couple of days.
“If he had been in an ambulance and in the high dependency unit, we might have thought differently. It came as a bit of a shock.”
But despite the disadvantaged he faced in his life, the former Inverurie Academy pupil refused to allow the disease to stop him achieving his dreams.
In 2007, he secured a degree in Computing for Business and Ecommerce from Robert Gordon University, and in 2014 he graduated from North East Scotland College with an HND in Accounting.
His mum said being restricted to a wheelchair never prevented her son from doing what he wanted: “He never really saw himself as disabled, and wanted to do the same as everyone else.
“He went to T in the Park six times and loved music – he had a very eclectic taste.
“On his walls are tickets from all the shows he want to at the AECC, including Biffy Clyro, Girls Aloud, Oasis and Katy Perry.
“He loved going to see comedians too like Lee Bridges and Russell Howard.”
But Mr Oliver’s sister Joanne, 24, explained his real passion was watching Aberdeen Football Club at both home and away games.
She said: “He had seats at the Richard Donald stand and always used to wear a white beanie hat.
“People would always recognise him on the TV.”
Mr Oliver’s father James, 61, said: “I think the thing people always say about Steven is that he had so many friends who supported him, he was everyone’s friend.
“He was so determined, very positive and very brave in the way he dealt with it.”
