Duncan’s story

On 4 April 2020, Duncan passed away.  He’d caught an incurable fungal infection during what was to be life-saving heart surgery almost two years earlier.  Despite two further heart surgeries and daily treatment, this infection ultimately lead to his premature death - he was only 29.

Duncan's Dad, Jim, is cycling Duncan’s ashes from their home in Edinburgh, 115 miles through the Pentland and Lowther Hills, then down though Nithsdale to Sandgreen on the Solway estuary, where the family have enjoyed many holidays over the years, and where Duncan will be laid to rest on Thursday 20th August.

Duncan had been born with a major congenital heart defect, requiring surgery when only three months old.  He struggled with ongoing chest infections and through his early school years, he had to put a lot of effort into every day, never wanting any weakness to show.  However, more heart surgery at age 11 saw him freed of that burden, replacing his heart valves and allowing him to lead a normal life.  The operation was carried out in Glasgow and his parents were able to stay with him 24/7 thanks to the free accommodation on site, provided by the Ronald McDonald House Charities.  It’s this charity who will benefit from all donations made.

In his 20s, Duncan attended the gym, transforming himself from a scrawny teenager into a well-built young man, becoming as strong physically as he’d always been mentally. He met the love of his life within the first week at Newcastle University in 2009, the lovely Laura.  They were together for over 10 years and in his own words “In 29 years I was able to achieve everything I set out to do; I found love, got married, we bought our own home together and I had the career I wanted.”  They had plans, things they wanted to do and achieve, and he didn’t want to be held up.

Duncan saw life as an adventure, as something to face head-on and to enjoy.  He was stoic and even in those final two years, when he’d suffered two strokes and had his leg amputated, he refused to let his condition define him.  He squeezed a lot of life, love and fun into those 29 years.

Duncan was never a victim, nor did he want to be seen as one
- his preference was not to attract any attention at all.  His journey has been shorter than anyone ever imagined and we all feel proud and privileged to have known Duncan and so fortunate to have joined him on his journey through life for as long as we had together.

We are grateful or any and all donations, please give what you can so that other children like Duncan, with their families, can get the support they need.

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