Derbyshire designer who died aged just 21 of Covid remembered as “kind and beautiful”

An “immensely talented” young Derbyshire graphic designer who died of Covid last month aged just 21 has been described as the most “perfect, kind and beautiful son” by his heartbroken family
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“Hardworking” Cameron Day was admitted to hospital with the virus in July - spending his 21st birthday in the intensive care unit after testing positive in June.

However the adored son, brother, grandson, nephew, uncle and cousin finally lost his fight with the disease on August 5 at Lincoln County Hospital.

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In a cruel irony, Cameron had accepted a full time post with London design firm SODA after graduating from the University of Lincoln with a First Class Honours degree.

Cameron had just accepted a full-time post with a top London design companyCameron had just accepted a full-time post with a top London design company
Cameron had just accepted a full-time post with a top London design company

“Helpful and loyal” Cameron, from Denby, had also won a national design competition - with organisers JDO RAW paying tribute to his “exceptional talent and a creative spirit”.

Speaking about cherished son Cameron, dad Neil Day, mum Alison Shaw, stepmum Tracey Day and stepdad David Shaw said the family were all “truly devastated” by Cameron’s loss.

In a joint statement they said: “Cameron was the most perfect son - he was kind, beautiful, helpful and loyal. He was committed, reliable and hardworking - he was special.”

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They described how, before Cameron deteriorated and had to be ventilated, staff on the ward “had a real fondness for him”.

“He was as concerned about them as they were about him,” said the family

Speaking about Cameron’s remarkable talent his shattered parents said: “The normal process with design is internships but Cameron was offered a permanent contract outright.

“People appeared to be seeing something beyond what we saw as the untrained eye.”

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Among the many people who have reached out to the family since Cameron’s death is another London design company who heard the terrible news and sent flowers.

The family said: “They had seen his work on LinkedIn and were just so devastated by our loss.”

Cameron, desperately saving to fund his move to London before he became ill, had worked part-time at Sainsbury’s while at university.

However he “thrived” and was in his “best place” when he was working hard.

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His family described how Cameron worked three days a week at the store throughout the entire pandemic to support himself during his studies and “never missed a shift”.

Cameron’s funeral will be held at the University of Lincoln on Friday - where he “made his life for the last three years”.

The Denby man will be remembered during a ceremony at one of its lecture halls.

“It was the best three years of his life and so every decision we’ve made has been to honour Cameron,” added the family.

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An order of service during the ceremony has been designed by his uni pals.

Speaking about Cameron’s friends they said: “Because of who Cameron was he formed deep relationships with friends.

“He loved them deeply and they loved him deeply - they were not shallow relationships.”

As well as his loving parents Cameron leaves behind his beloved sister and brother Hollie Kemp and James Robinson.

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Paying tribute to him, University of Lincoln lecturers Jo Mansfield and Rhona Breeze-Lawlor said: “Cameron was an extremely talented student with huge potential and we are all devastated by his loss.”

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