Son's death can help others

David O'Leary • Published 27 Jan 2012 09:30 0 Comments

A GRIEVING couple from West Linton have broken their silence following the tragic death of their son last year.

David Jack died in August just hours before he was due to open his medical exam results - which he'd passed.

The 30-year-old former Peebles High pupil was a medical student at Dundee University.

And had spent time working overseas to bring much-needed aid to war-torn Burundi.

As well as planning his forthcoming wedding to fiance, Anna Bradshaw, David was on the verge of being offered a research place at Cambridge.

But his life was cut short on the morning of August 8.

Now parents, David and Marianne, want to continue the charity work which he was committed to throughout out his medical studies.

The couple from Linton Bank Drive have set up a Fund in their son's name to help Dundee-based Mission International.

Mr Jack told the Peeblesshire News: "It really has been tragic. However, we wish for something good to come from it and since Mission International was a cause very dear to his heart we have decided to set up the David Jack Memorial Fund which pays for fees and much-needed medicines in developing countries.

"He had travelled to Burundi with the charity in 2009 and was struck with how the people living there had practically nothing. Upon his return he immediately set up Mission Medics, which sends doctors, dentists and nurses to Burundi as missionaries.

"His passing came as a great shock to us all - Marianne, myself and his brother, Colin and sister, Nicola. Sadly he never got to open his results and just weeks after his death, he was also offered a research place at Cambridge."

Burundi has an estimated population of around 8 million, approximately half of whom are aged 14 or less. The effects of aids and civil war has had a significant effect on the population.

The country has just one qualified and trained doctor for every 300,000 people. Here in the UK the figures range between 800- 4000 people per doctor.

Mission International director, Hugh Henderson said: "David was a really great guy and his death came as a desperate shock as he was on the verge of so many great things.

"He was instrumental in the setting up of our new project Mission Medics.

"There are many in the poorest parts of the world who never see a doctor, perhaps because they can't afford the fees and medicines and others who perhaps do not have a doctor in their locality.

"We accept any donated items at all. Everything can be put to use again from engineering lathes to hammers and chisels to toys and prams."

If you would like to support David and Marianne and Mission International you can contact them on 01968 660862 or 0131 440 2715.

Donations can also be made by cheque to Mission International, 25 Tait's Lane, Dundee, DD2 1DZ.

Please make sure to write 'David Jack Medical Care Fund' on the reverse side of the cheque so it can be allocated appropriately.

To make a bank transfer or donate through Justgiving please go to Mission International's home page: www.mission-international.org

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This article appeared in Peeblesshire News 27 Jan 12

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