Heartbroken Scots family face first Christmas without 'life of the party' dad

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Christmas is a joyful and exciting time when families get together to celebrate but for many - especially those who have lost someone special - it can be one of the toughest periods of the year.One heartbroken Scots family have opened up on how they are navigating their grief this Christmas as they celebrate their first without 'life of the party' dad Stephen who doted on kids.Dad-of-two Stephen McCluskey from Airdrie tragically died on June 6 this year after feeling faint and collapsing.

His family are one of those whose Christmas day will never be the same again. The 43-year-old wedding singer is survived by his fiancée Kirsty and their two beautiful children, Evie, 15, and son, Ezra, six.This year, the family will be getting together at younger brother Liam's home, in Coatbridge, for dinner.

The 38-year-old admits that he hasn't been looking forward to Christmas in the run-up to the big day.But the dad-of-two has "put on a brave face" for two-year-old Cara and five-year-old Liam - who are excited for the festivities.

He told Glasgow Live: "It’s been a rollercoaster of emotions since Stephen passed away. Christmas is going to be really strange without Stephen, and there will be a feeling of emptiness - it’s something that’s never going to be replaced. "It’s been the worst year that I’ve ever experienced.