Kirkcaldy firefighter's lifesaving legacy recognised in parliament
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Neale Hanvey, Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath MP, has lodged an Early Day Motion in parliament to pay tribute to Gary Dall who, after being diagnosed with blood cancer, used his own story to recruit donors to the Anthony Nolan stem cell register before he tragically passed away in 2018.
The motion highlights how Gary’s experience inspired others to donate.
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Hide AdMitchell Robertson, the 18-year-old son of Gary’s Kirkcaldy Red Watch crewmate Graham Robertson, as well as fellow crewmate Rich Ogden’s 19-year-old daughter Kirsty, have both donated stem cells after being found to be a “match” on the Anthony Nolan stem cell register.
Gary, who left behind wife Jennifer and four children, following a brave battle against myelodysplastic syndrome, a type of blood cancer, had teamed up with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and Anthony Nolan to recruit donors to the stem cell register.
After hearing Gary’s story, Kirsty and Mitchell were inspired to join the register.
Mr Hanvey's motion recognises Gary’s inspiring efforts and legacy, celebrates that the SFRS partnership with Anthony Nolan that has seen more than 18,500 potential donors recruited.”
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Hide AdHe said: “Gary was well known and loved locally, having served in the fire service for over 30 years, and it is a fitting legacy that his memory continues to inspire selfless deeds like these by Kirsty and Mitchell.
“I know from my time as a nurse director for rare cancer how vital stem cell donation is and I would encourage everyone who can to register.”