The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Firefighter Gary dies as he waits for lifesaving transplant
TRAGEDY: Stem cell donor finally found for dad but infection forces transplant cancellations
A firefighter who dedicated his life to saving others has died waiting for a stem cell transplant.
Father-of-four Gary Dall, 50, had an aggressive form of blood cancer.
A suitable donor was found but Gary’s operation was cancelled twice due to ill health.
He passed away on Thursday afternoon, leaving wife Jennifer and children Nicola, Hannah, Amy and Aaron.
Tribute has been paid to the former group manager who led a campaign to raise awareness of the Anthony Nolan donor register despite his own ill health.
Scottish Fire and Rescue Service deputy chief officer Alasdair Perry said: “We were deeply saddened by the news of the passing of our friend and valued colleague Gary Dall.
“Gary has been with the service since 1988 and was committed to helping the communities we serve.
“Gary was a hugely respected and valued member of the fire and rescue service family and his loss is keenly felt by us all.
“His dedication, enthusiasm and
“
Gary was a hugely respected and valued member of the fire and rescue service family and his loss is keenly felt by us all
positive influence on the service and all those he came into contact with will never be forgotten.”
Henny Braund, chief executive officer at Anthony Nolan, said: “We were all deeply saddened to hear the news that Gary has died, and our thoughts are with his friends, family and colleagues at this difficult time.
“The people of Fife and Scotland have been incredible at rallying in support and signing up as potential stem cell donors, creating a lifesaving legacy in Gary’s name that will give people a second chance of life for many years to come.”
Gary, who was based mostly at Kirkcaldy Fire Station and was also a well-known martial artist, was diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome in June last year.
He contracted the blood cancer from chemotherapy during a stem cell transplant in 2010, which was a trial treatment for the Crohn’s disease which he also suffered.
Gary’s campaign to recruit donors to the Anthony Nolan register was supported by colleagues in the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and by Raith Rovers and Fife Flyers.
Members and fans of both clubs signed up to the national bone marrow register during the search for a donor, which was Gary’s only hope of survival.
A donor, a 25-year-old German man, was found last October and the match was confirmed at the turn of the year.
Gary was due to receive the transplant in January then in February but the surgery was cancelled on both occasions as he contracted a lung infection.