Tragic mum Julie Walker - who died trying to save her young son from drowning at Aberdeen beach - had just been diagnosed with diabetes and had set up a help group for fellow sufferers, it emerged on Wednesday.
The 37-year-old rushed into the waves on Saturday afternoon after her six-year-old son Lucas fell into the water.
The schoolboy's older brother Samuel, 13, also made a heroic rescue bid. He survived but Julie and Lucas both later died in hospital after they were pulled from the water.
READ MORE: 'Heroic efforts' failed to save mother and young son from Aberdeen waves
Samuel is understood to be still recovering at the Royal Aberdeen Children's Hospital.
Locals in the Northfield area of Aberdeen, where the mum-of-four lived, said yesterday her reaction to her diabetes diagnosis was typical of the "selfless dedication" she showed to her community.
They said the "quiet and unassuming mum" would have been surprised to find out "just how many hearts she had touched".
Donna Sim, who runs the Cummings Park Community Flat drop-in centre, said she was "still expecting her to walk in" with a big smile as usual.
READ MORE: 'Heroic efforts' failed to save mother and young son from Aberdeen waves
Donna said of Julie: "She was going to start doing a diabetes group. She had not long been diagnosed.
"She was going to have a get-together chat group.
"She was up for doing anything we asked of her - so long as she could fit it around her family. Family always came first.
"People are still in a state of shock. Julie was quite well known. There were a few tears here yesterday.
"I have been surprised how many people have said they knew her.
"I think Julie would be quite surprised at how many friends she had."
READ MORE: 'Heroic efforts' failed to save mother and young son from Aberdeen waves
Julie's part in a litter pick-up in June organised by the drop-in centre - but never got a chance to pick up a certificate issued to her thanking her for her help.
A tree is now to be planted in the garden of the centre as a lasting memorial to her.
Jacqui Innes, chairwoman of the nearby Northfield community centre, recalled laughing with Julie about pet clothes only hours before she died.
She said: "I saw her on Saturday morning. I had to laugh - she was buying a hoodie for the dog. We were joking about it.
"I did not realise just how many hearts she had touched."
A special service of remembrance will be held for Julie and Lucas today (Thurs) at 6pm at the ex-Air Training Corps huts off Moir Drive in Northfield.
The family had been playing on a stretch of sea wall opposite the seafront branch of Pizza Hut in Aberdeen when Lucas fell into the sea around 4.45pm on Saturday.
Passers-by, including off-duty police officers, were involved in the rescue effort.
Lucas was described earlier this week as a "lovely little boy" by his head teacher at Bramble Brae School, where he had just started primary three.
Amanda Murray said everyone at the school was still in a state of shock.
Numerous floral tributes, toys and messages have been left near the spot where the youngster fell into the sea.
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