‘Much loved’ nurse dies after bicycle collision
Tributes have been paid to a “much loved” and “well respected” nurse who was killed after the bike he was cycling on collided with a van.
James Harrison, who worked for NHS Lothian, died after the crash with a Mercedes Sprinter van on Mount Vernon Road at the crossroads junction with Gilmerton Road about 8:45am last Thursday.
The 36-year-old was a lead research nurse in cardiology and recently volunteered in an intensive care unit to support the Covid-19 response.
Professor Alex Mcmahon, NHS Lothian’s executive director of Nursing, Midwifery and Allied Healthcare Professionals, said: “It is with great sadness that we learned of the death of our colleague James Harrison. James was a much loved and well-respected member of the NHS Lothian team, working as a lead research nurse in cardiology.
“In recent months, James volunteered in our intensive care unit to support the Covid-19 response, demonstrating his enduring commitment, compassion and determination to support both patients and staff.
“James will be truly missed by all the colleagues he worked alongside, and by the wider research community here in Lothian and across Scotland.
“From everyone at NHS Lothian, we offer our heartfelt condolences to the Harrison family. Our thoughts are with James’s wife and two young children at this truly difficult time.”
Mr Harrison was also an official for Scottish Athletics, and an athlete and team manager at Corstorphine AAC.
A tribute shared on the Scottish Athletics official Facebook page on Sunday read: “All at Scottish Athletics were shocked and saddened to learn of a tragic bike accident in Edinburgh which led to one of our officials, James Harrison, being killed.”
The tribute added: “Corstorphine AAC athlete and team manager James was one of our up-and-coming Start Team members and his mother Annette is another member of that team.
“We send our deepest condolences to his wife, Dr Rowan Harrison, their two young children and all the rest of the family as well as his friends in athletics and beyond.”
Police Scotland confirmed on Saturday that Mr Harrison had died from his injuries following the collision.