A MAN whose battle against severe disability led to the creation of children's hospices in Scotland has died. Daniel McCalman – who at the age of three was "sent home to die" almost 30 years ago – passed away at his home in Broughton last Friday.
At 31, he had defied the forecasts of medics across numerous hospitals, who said he would be lucky to reach the age of ten, such were the complications associated with his Leigh's Encephalopathy – a condition which left him only being able to move hi
s eyes and mouth.
He died suddenly overnight on Friday from pneumonia and his death has shocked his parents and many carers with whom he built up a special rapport over the years.
The Children's Hospice Association Scotland (CHAS) also added tributes to Mr McCalman, saying had it not been for his plight, the two children's hospices in Scotland – in Kinross and Balloch – would not exist today, such was the impact his life had on fundraising and awareness.
A massive fundraising campaign spearheaded by Daniel and his mother Nancy Blaik eventually led to the opening of Rachel House in Kinross in March 1996.
Mrs Blaik, 73, who has devoted her life to helping Daniel and raising money for CHAS and associated charities, said his death had left a huge gap in her life as well as her husband Jack's.
She said: "All our lives we were fraught with worry that he would die, ever since he was a toddler, and then when we didn't really expect it he did.
"His life was really total misery when you think of his condition, but all we ever got from him was pure love, nothing else.
"He was completely blameless in everything, he touched the lives of so many."
Although Daniel's early years were tough as he was moved between home and various hospitals, his legacy has made others' experience significantly better.
"Perhaps he achieved all he was sent to do," Mrs Blaik added. "Even though he could hardly move a muscle, he has done so much for others."
Carer Christina Scott, who earned a kiss from film star Ewan McGregor as a result of Daniel's appearance at a fundraiser many years ago, worked with Daniel for 14 years.
She said: "I always say he's the only perfect man I've ever met.
"I remember when my husband and I were getting married, just as the question was asked if anyone had any objections he cried out from the back of the room at the key moment.
"Everyone laughed so much. He's left a hole in our lives and in our heart."
Andrea Cail, director of service development at CHAS, said: "It is no understatement to say that because of Daniel, CHAS exists today. When Daniel was diagnosed with a life-limiting condition as a small boy, his mother Nancy recognised the need for a children's hospice in Scotland.
"Thanks to the efforts of many, but in particular Nancy's energy and vision, Daniel became a catalyst for the creation of CHAS and our hospices, Rachel House and Robin House.
"CHAS is Daniel's legacy and we are proud to have played such an important role in his life. Daniel's memory will live on through every child, young person and family in Scotland who continue to use our hospice services, both now and in the future."
