Bonnyloyal
Well-Known Member
THE family of a stricken Rangers fan have launched a heartbreaking appeal for celebrities to help him smile “one last time” from his deathbed.
James Maxwell, 55, was diagnosed with meningitis aged 18 and has always had a “zest for life” despite struggling with the deadly infection.
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James is being supported in hospital by niece Kate
During his battle with the condition the Shettleston-based Gers supporter was struck down in a coma for six months, suffered kidney failure, and endured endless months in hospital.
Now he has made the devastating decision to end his treatment after growing exhausted with his 37-year battle – with medics warning he has just days to live.
Umar Sadiq to Rangers: Roma forward in advanced discussions with Ibrox chiefs over season-long loan
And his devoted niece is determined to make his final moments memorable.
Kate Blair, along with her two sisters – Michelle, 32 and Stephanie, 29 – and her mum Diane, are all supporting James from his bedside.
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James’s great-nephew Ruairi has been keeping his spirits up
Kate, 18, told the Scottish Sun Online: “Recently James hasn’t had much luck and his health has deteriorated.
“In the past two days he has decided he doesn’t want to continue treatment, a very brave decision to make.
“But he’s been told that he won’t ever get out of hospital due to his health and that sepsis is taking over in his frail body.”
His family are agonising over a future without James, but have all supported his decision to end treatment.
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James lived a healthy childhood before he was struck down with the deadly infection
Kate added: “His nurses and the people who know him best in my opinion agree it’s the best way and he’s in control.
“Although it is breaking the family’s heart we are all behind him and know that he’s tired now and that his decision should be respected.
“Never think because someone is physically disabled that they aren’t in control of their own mind.”
Kate, a bank worker, says James would do “anything to put a smile one someone’s face” – and now she’s hoping her appeal will give him joy with some hospital VIP visits.
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Kate has launched an online appeal for celebs to visit her uncle in hospital
The plucky teen has already tweeted Rangers players and some of the Still Game cast in a bid to get a red carpet farewell for her uncle.
The Gers-mad uncle has met Ally McCoist and Mark Hately before – and the family think seeing some more Rangers stars would “lift his spirits”.
She explained: “We want to make the end as easy as possible for James and thank him for being that special guy we can’t imagine not being part of our life anymore.
“We are hoping that by sharing James story that it will attract the attention of some famous people that would be kind enough to give up some time to go and visit him.
5
The plucky teen is determined to make her uncle’s final days count
“I can guarantee that they won’t be visiting a sad man in his bed, they will be laughing and smiling from ear to ear.
“Meeting some people like this would be amazing for James, to lift his spirits and also a good way for the family to remember him.”
Kate added: “My uncle has a zest for life, he loves people and has the best banter.
“In all my life I have never known him to be sad or down much.
“He’s a strong character and everyone that meets him ends up friends for a long time.”
She added: “James wouldn’t want you to read this story and feel sorry for him, that wasn’t him, he’s an upbeat character and takes everything in his stride with a smile.”
DO you know anyone who could help Kate with her celeb campaign? Email katy.pagan@the-sun.co.uk
James Maxwell, 55, was diagnosed with meningitis aged 18 and has always had a “zest for life” despite struggling with the deadly infection.
5
James is being supported in hospital by niece Kate
During his battle with the condition the Shettleston-based Gers supporter was struck down in a coma for six months, suffered kidney failure, and endured endless months in hospital.
Now he has made the devastating decision to end his treatment after growing exhausted with his 37-year battle – with medics warning he has just days to live.
Umar Sadiq to Rangers: Roma forward in advanced discussions with Ibrox chiefs over season-long loan
And his devoted niece is determined to make his final moments memorable.
Kate Blair, along with her two sisters – Michelle, 32 and Stephanie, 29 – and her mum Diane, are all supporting James from his bedside.
5
James’s great-nephew Ruairi has been keeping his spirits up
Kate, 18, told the Scottish Sun Online: “Recently James hasn’t had much luck and his health has deteriorated.
“In the past two days he has decided he doesn’t want to continue treatment, a very brave decision to make.
“But he’s been told that he won’t ever get out of hospital due to his health and that sepsis is taking over in his frail body.”
His family are agonising over a future without James, but have all supported his decision to end treatment.
5
James lived a healthy childhood before he was struck down with the deadly infection
Kate added: “His nurses and the people who know him best in my opinion agree it’s the best way and he’s in control.
“Although it is breaking the family’s heart we are all behind him and know that he’s tired now and that his decision should be respected.
“Never think because someone is physically disabled that they aren’t in control of their own mind.”
Kate, a bank worker, says James would do “anything to put a smile one someone’s face” – and now she’s hoping her appeal will give him joy with some hospital VIP visits.
5
Kate has launched an online appeal for celebs to visit her uncle in hospital
The plucky teen has already tweeted Rangers players and some of the Still Game cast in a bid to get a red carpet farewell for her uncle.
The Gers-mad uncle has met Ally McCoist and Mark Hately before – and the family think seeing some more Rangers stars would “lift his spirits”.
She explained: “We want to make the end as easy as possible for James and thank him for being that special guy we can’t imagine not being part of our life anymore.
“We are hoping that by sharing James story that it will attract the attention of some famous people that would be kind enough to give up some time to go and visit him.
5
The plucky teen is determined to make her uncle’s final days count
“I can guarantee that they won’t be visiting a sad man in his bed, they will be laughing and smiling from ear to ear.
“Meeting some people like this would be amazing for James, to lift his spirits and also a good way for the family to remember him.”
Kate added: “My uncle has a zest for life, he loves people and has the best banter.
“In all my life I have never known him to be sad or down much.
“He’s a strong character and everyone that meets him ends up friends for a long time.”
She added: “James wouldn’t want you to read this story and feel sorry for him, that wasn’t him, he’s an upbeat character and takes everything in his stride with a smile.”
DO you know anyone who could help Kate with her celeb campaign? Email katy.pagan@the-sun.co.uk
