Published: Wednesday, 14th January, 2009 12:30pm

Tragic loss of Lynn, 28

A bright young woman who was "so enthusiastic about life" has tragically died at the age of 28.

University graduate Lynn Forrest took ill on Boxing Day, and within 24 hours was diagnosed with acute leukaemia.

Lynn"s heartbroken family were at her beside when she died three days later.

Her parents Catherine and Charles, and brother John, are now trying to come to terms with their loss.

Catherine, 55, said: 'Lynn was so enthusiastic about life. She was very hard-working but enjoyed life - she had sparkling eyes, was full of fun and always smiling.'

The devastated mum is still stunned at how quickly Lynn"s condition deteriorated.

She said: 'It"s absolutely shocking. The consultants were excellent - but they were taken by surprise by the rate of the disease"s progress.

'It is rare but not unknown and could have developed within a week.'

Lynn was visiting her boyfriend Steven McElhinney and his family on Boxing Day, after celebrating Christmas with her parents, when she took ill and was rushed to Ninewells Hospital in Dundee.

Catherine said: 'She had a cold for the previous three weeks and a few days before Christmas she developed a cough - but there were no symptoms.

'She was a lovely person - I never heard her criticise anyone. And we had a very good relationship.

'We are a close family and Lynn was a part of everyone"s lives including Steven"s family - he is devastated.'

Statistician Lynn, a former Moorfoot Primary and Gourock High pupil who grew up in Inverclyde, more recently lived in Glasgow and worked for HBOS in Edinburgh.

Her parents lived in Cloch Road, Gourock, and Eldon Street, Greenock, before moving to St Monans in Fife two years ago.

A keen traveller, she had visited Australia, America and Canada, and toured Europe.

Lynn excelled at school, winning a fourth-year maths prize, a senior sports championship and was an accomplished pianist, who took part in Inverclyde"s music festival.

She gained a degree in maths, statistics and finance from Strathclyde University and enjoyed a high-flying career, working for the NHS, the Scottish Government and civil service before joining HBOS in April.

Lynn was laid to rest following a service at St Monans Parish Church on 6 January.