Tributes to Glasgow NHS hero who died months before wedding

Loved ones of David Yuill were left in shock following his sudden death from pneumonia but have spoken out in praise of a young man who put others before himself.

The 27-year-old lived with cystic fibrosis but had been doing well after receiving a new breakthrough medicine.

He devoted his time to helping others, working in multiple volunteer roles for the British Red Cross and in support of LGBT+ communities.

David’s mum, Catherine, said: “I am so proud of him, he achieved so much in so little time.

"He did everything he could to help others, regardless of his illness.”

David had been excited about marrying his partner of 10 years, Scott, later this year.

Their previous wedding plans were postponed due to covid restrictions.

David worked as a health care support worker on the older people’s wards at Glasgow Royal Infirmary and, later, as a covid vaccinator at clinics across the west of Scotland.

He also volunteered as an emergency responder for the British Red Cross and helped with Pride groups in Glasgow.

As a teenager he had been diagnosed with cystic fibrosis just two days before his 15th birthday.

In 2018, he completed his modern apprenticeship in healthcare support, before going on to work at the Glasgow Royal Infirmary in Ward 3, helping older people with their care.

But his declining health meant he had to very reluctantly leave his job at the city centre hospital.

Two years ago, however, his doctors at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital were able to prescribe Trikafta, a new breakthrough medicine which transformed David’s life.

Catherine, the director of a baby foodbank, added: "It gave him a whole new lease of life.

"He became healthier and he picked himself right back up and helped with making up covid food parcels with the Red Cross and then he decided he wanted to go back to the NHS.”

David joined the covid vaccine team helping to direct patients at clinics across Glasgow, before getting an opportunity to train as a vaccinator and landing a job at NHS Lanarkshire.

Catherine said: "He loved his job. We were concerned about him being close to covid, given his condition – in fact I was terrified.

"But he wasn’t scared.”

David remained out of hospital for two years after he took the new drug, but caught an infection last month.

Catherine added: “He didn’t want to go into hospital, but we nagged him to go in.

"He was admitted on the Monday and passed away on the Wednesday.

"He declined so quickly and it was really unexpected.”

David died from pneumonia on January 19.

His colleagues at the British Red Cross provided a guard of honour at his funeral.

His Red Cross colleague, Ann Brogan, said: “David was a very compassionate young man, he was so loving and caring, but he was also a bit mischievous who like to laugh and did not take life too seriously.

"He was a great volunteer for a few lucky charities including the Red Cross.

"He never let his illness define him.”

Rosemary Brogan, Clinical Services Manager at the GRI, said: “We’re really sad to hear about David’s passing.

"He was very well thought of and is remembered fondly by his colleagues.”

Catherine added: “He was an everyday hero. He was a people person.

"He gave us a hand with the baby foodbank when we needed it.

"He loved working in the hospital, looking after people and talking to them – he could start a conversation in an empty room.

"He packed so much into life and he will be missed."