A 21-year-old man from Paisley in Renfrewshire, Scotland, tragically lost his life just days after initially attributing his backache to a need for a new bed. Gerald Green’s health rapidly deteriorated, but he concealed his symptoms from his parents, Paula and Gerry, until he began coughing up blood.
On January 19, Gerald’s mother took him to the Royal Alexandra Hospital, where doctors discovered severe anemia. Urgently, he underwent surgery to drain his kidney. During the procedure, Gerald stopped breathing and required resuscitation. Subsequently, doctors induced a coma to stabilize him.
This is when Gerald received life-shattering news
Upon awakening, Gerald received the devastating news of an incurable, aggressive cancer following a series of tests. On January 26, he received a terminal diagnosis and was transferred to St Vincent’s Hospice for end-of-life care. Tragically, he passed away on January 30, just hours after arriving.
The family, shattered by Gerald’s swift decline, urged others not to ignore significant changes in their bodies, emphasizing the potential to save lives through early medical attention. Ailley Colquhoun, Gerald’s devastated cousin, stressed the urgency of seeking immediate medical help for symptoms similar to his.
Ailley shared the heartbreaking revelation that the cancer had already spread extensively throughout Gerald’s body, including his bones and blood, leaving medical professionals with limited options. The family was with him when he passed away, hearing his final words expressing love and bidding farewell.
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A GoFundMe was set up to aid in Gerald’s funeral costs
In memory of her beloved cousin, Ailley launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds for Gerald’s funeral expenses. The initiative aims to give him “the send-off he deserves” while alleviating the financial burden on his grieving parents.
“So we’re urging anyone who has any symptoms like his to get checked out immediately before it’s too late.” she said. “Our whole family were with him when he died. He told us he loved us and he said goodbye. Those were his last words. He passed away a few hours later. It was so quick, it’s hard to take in that he’s actually gone. We’re all in shock.” She continued.
A great footballer and a happy kid
Reflecting on Gerald’s life, Ailley fondly remembered him as a “great footballer” and a “funny, cheeky lad” who adored his dogs and supported St Mirren FC. The youngest in the family, Gerald was Paula and Gerry’s only son. Known for his easy-going nature and kindness, he faced life with a light-hearted attitude.
“Gerald was the youngest in the family and he was Paula and Gerry’s only son. He was always up for a laugh and very easygoing. He never took life too seriously. Everyone always says how polite and kind he was. He had his whole life ahead of him but he was unaware of what was going on until last week. It’s just unbelievably sad.” said his cousin.
Tragically, Gerald, who had been caring for his father Gerry after a stroke, was unaware of his own health struggles until the week before his passing. His sudden departure has left the family in shock, mourning the loss of a young life with so much potential and love to give.