Tragedy as East Lothian doting dad and 'force of nature' activist dies suddenly

Tributes have poured in for an East Lothian dad and local legend who was known by many throughout the community.

Sean Crawford, from Athelstaneford, is understood to have passed away on Sunday morning. The 37-year-old spoke to Edinburgh Live in June 2023, opening up on the impact of the pandemic on his weight and mental health.

Speaking about the importance of his daughter, he told us: "So much of why I want to turn my life around is because of her."

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Working for Change Collective, co-founded by Sean, said: "We can’t quite believe we are posting this but we are absolutely heartbroken that we have lost a beloved member of the Working for Change Collective, our co-founder Sean.

"He was a force of nature, an activist, a friend to many and above all a dad, Layla was his world. This news is devastating but Sean wouldn’t want us to focus on that.

"He would want us to focus on his life and the future in which his daughter will be raised in. Sean wanted to see change and we will continue the work started by Sean to ensure that voices are heard, action is taken and a response is given.

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"Goodbye friend, we will miss you."

Pennypit Community Development Trust added: "It is with heavy heart that we are writing this message.

"Sean was a huge part of our team and we are all devastated with his passing. I believed in Sean the day I met him and he quickly embedded himself into the Pennypit way of life.

"He never quite believed the impact he made on others but as we all know his passion and dedication to put others first. He loved his job and he was so good at it, driving change and helping others believe in themselves to change.

"His jokes, laughter and banter were endless and he made us all smile. We are thinking of his family and friends. His legacy lives on, we miss you Sean."

Sean told us last year: "It’s all so stressful because it’s hard to see a way out.

"At times, I’ve felt like I’ll never be able to change. It all happened so quickly, it’s amazing how you can put on all this weight so quickly but it just seems impossible to lose it.

“I don’t get any enjoyment out of life, I don’t really get excited about anything. I feel like all I need is someone to take me by the hand.

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"You know, if someone got the ball rolling with me, if they showed me what to do and got me into good habits, I feel like I could really achieve this. I’d be some grateful to anyone who was willing to give it a go and take a chance on me."

Sean spoke to BBC Scotland last March, and admitted he cried when he saw the trailer for Hollywood film The Whale - which tells the story of a reclusive teacher with obesity. He told them: "I couldn't tell you the last time I wanted to see a film at the cinema, but this one massively ties to my situation.

"I empathise with him and it also gives a voice to people in my position. It shows people benefitting from his life, as normally overweight people are hidden away and are not given the credit they are due."