David Kelly fell seriously ill at the airport hours before his flight home during a Turkey holiday as his family describe a ‘nightmare none of us could have imagined’
A Brit has tragically passed away after what was supposed to be a “relaxing holiday in Turkey turned into a nightmare”, when he fell gravely ill just hours before his return flight.
David Kelly was at the airport when his health took a sudden and severe turn for the worse. In a matter of hours, the joiner found himself rushed into intensive care and put into an induced coma.
Kept alive on life support, he battled for his life thousands of miles away from home. His loving wife, Dawn, stayed by his side in a Turkish hospital for four weeks, as reported by Need To Know.
A fundraiser set up with the blessing of David’s family stated: “What was meant to be a relaxing holiday in Turkey turned into a nightmare that none of us could have imagined.
“Just hours before his flight home, David suddenly became seriously unwell at the airport. Within a matter of hours, his condition deteriorated rapidly, and he was rushed to intensive care.
“Placed into an induced coma and kept alive by life support, David was fighting for his life thousands of miles from home. For four long weeks, his devoted wife, Dawn, remained by his side in a Turkish hospital, never leaving him as he battled with incredible strength and courage.”
David, hailing from Barrhead, Renfrewshire, Scotland, was finally flown back home on 8 June aboard a specialist flying intensive care unit.
He was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit at the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Paisley.
The fundraiser noted that he continued his fight while receiving “outstanding care” from the hospital staff.
Sadly, David passed away peacefully on 18 June, surrounded by his family.
The fundraiser stated: “Despite everyone’s best efforts, our warrior David passed away peacefully on 18 June, surrounded by his loving family.”
His family later shared the heartbreaking news via his business’ Facebook page, Barrhead Joinery.
They announced: “We would like to share the devastating news that sadly after fighting as hard as he could, our lovable, amazing David Kelly passed away on Thursday 18th June.
“Barrhead Joinery will now cease trading, as a family we’d like to thank you all for the work you all have given David over the years.
“Lots of love from his wife Dawn and daughters Gemma & Sophie.”
David was remembered as a much-loved husband, father, brother, uncle and friend.
The fundraiser said: “He was someone who was always there to lend a hand, offer support, and put others before himself. Now it is our turn to be there for those he loved most.”
Tributes have also flooded in from members of the local community.
Noreen McHugh wrote: “I am devastated to hear this sad news about Davie.
“He was an excellent professional who I counted on over the years. But upmost a wonderful human being who was always friendly and honest.
“My sincerest condolences to you and your daughters. A huge loss for you all. RIP Davie, you will be sorely missed.”
Another individual added: “So sorry to hear this very sad news.
“David did some work for me when I moved into my home in Newton Mearns some years ago.
“Such a lovely, lovely man. Sending you all my heartfelt condolences. x”.
A fundraising campaign has been set up to help alleviate the financial burden of David’s emergency medical care overseas and specialist repatriation.
Funds collected will also assist Dawn and the family, contribute towards funeral costs and provide donations to Kidney Research UK and the Intensive Care Unit at the Royal Alexandra Hospital.
The appeal stated the contributions would acknowledge the “exceptional care and compassion” demonstrated towards David and his loved ones.