A terminally ill father from Dundee who has only weeks to live is planning to attend his own 'living wake' before he dies. Gordon Airlie, 47, was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia in April 2021 and initially given just 48 hours to live.
Despite the grim prognosis, Gordon fought on and received a stem cell donation at the end of last year. However, the aggressive cancer returned, and on March 3, 2022, doctors told him he had weeks to live. Gordon had two dying wishes: to marry his partner of 21 years, Audrey, 53, and to host a living wake for himself.
Both events were originally planned for March 18, but doctors advised the family to move the wedding forward. Within 12 hours, the ceremony was organised at their family home. Step-daughter Kirsty McLean, 34, said: 'We got the blood test results on the Friday and doctors said the disease was progressing fast and he might not make it to the wedding. Within 12 hours we had organised a wedding to happen at the house.'
The living wake is now planned for March 18 at Gordon's favourite local pub, Club 83 in Dundee, but the family expects they may need to bring the event forward again. A band, photo booth, and photographer have been booked, and loved ones will be encouraged to share their favourite memories with Gordon. The family has launched a fundraising page to cover the costs, with any leftover money going towards a final outing with Gordon's grandchildren.
Dave Mack from Club 83 said: 'Googs is a very well respected member of the club and dart team. We're going to pull out all the stops for him to give him a great farewell.'
