'It was meant to be a relaxing holiday... but it turned into a nightmare.' Family's heartbreak after Turkish tragedy

Published: 20:44, 6 July 2026 | Updated: 20:44, 6 July 2026 A Scots joiner has died after falling ill as he was heading home from a Turkish holiday. David Kelly was at the airport preparing to fly back to Scotland when his suddenly took unwell. The 59-year-old was taken to hospital and placed in an induced coma in an intensive care ward. His wife Dawn remained at his bedside in the Turkish hospital for four weeks before Mr Kelly was medically evacuated. David Kelly fell seriously unwell hours before flying home from a holiday in Turkey However, he later died and a fundraiser has now been set up to help the father of two’s devastated family. The fundraising page states: ‘What was meant to be a relaxing holiday in Turkey turned into a nightmare that none of us could have imagined. ‘Just hours before his flight home, David suddenly became seriously unwell at the airport. ‘Within a matter of hours, his condition deteriorated rapidly, and he was rushed to intensive care. ‘Placed into an induced coma and kept alive by life support, David was fighting for his life thousands of miles from home. For four long weeks, his devoted wife, Dawn, remained by his side in a Turkish hospital, never leaving him as he battled with incredible strength and courage.’ David and Dawn Kelly, from Barrhead, Renfrewshire, were at the airport when his health deteriorated Mr Kelly, from Barrhead, Renfrewshire, was repatriated on June 8 aboard a specialist flying intensive care unit. He was taken to the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Paisley, but died on June 18 surrounded by his family. The fundraiser added: ‘Despite everyone’s best efforts, our warrior David passed away peacefully on 18 June, surrounded by his loving family.’ His family later announced the tragic news through his business’ Facebook page, Barrhead Joinery. They said: ‘We would like to share the devastating news that, sadly, after fighting as hard as he could, our loveable, amazing David Kelly passed away on Thursday 18th June. ‘Barrhead Joinery will now cease trading, as a family we would like to thank you all for the work you have given David over the years. ‘Lots of love from his wife Dawn, and daughters Gemma and Sophie.’ Mr Kelly was described as a much-loved husband, father, brother, uncle and friend. The fundraiser said: ‘He was someone who was always there to lend a hand, offer support and put others before himself. ‘Now it is our turn to be there for those he loved most.’ The fundraiser has been launched to help ease the financial impact of the medical treatment abroad and specialist repatriation. Money raised will also support Dawn and the family, help with funeral expenses and fund donations to Kidney Research UK and the Intensive Care Unit at the Royal Alexandra Hospital.