Doting dad dies of MS at 30

THE wife and son of a young dad face making a tragic flight back home from America after he died while the two were away on holiday.

Chris Gray, who had been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis when he was just 24, passed away at the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary.

The 30-year-old's health deteriorated rapidly while they were on holiday after battling the disease for six years. His wife Ashley, 24, and son Jordan, 7, are in Florida anxiously awaiting a flight home on Sunday.

His mother-in-law Sandra Ross, who is staying at the family home in Tranent, East Lothian, while Ashley and Jordan are away, said that even though he had been unwell for some time, the death had shocked the friends and family who supported him.

She said: "From the first day Ashley and Chris met I knew he was a really great guy. Their lives were so complete together, especially after Jordan was born, and they spent every hour together. His family was everything to him.

"Chris was a great dad. I couldn't have wished for a better husband for my daughter or a better dad for my grandson.

"I'm just pretty shocked, we were going to spend some time together while they were away.

"I think he battled through it the way he did because he had the support of his family.

"I just miss him so much, he meant the world to me."

Chris, who had hoped to work in business management after graduating from Edinburgh Napier University with a degree in business, found out he had MS not long after the birth of his son.

However, the debilitating disease, which causes the immune system to attack the central nervous system, did not stop him fulfilling his great passion for fishing and spending time with his young son.

Ashley, who also earned a college degree in business, became a full-time carer for Chris recently when his health began to deteriorate.

He was also closely supported by Prestonpans Day Centre, his parents Ann and Bob, uncle Allan, grandmother Nancy and close schoolpal Colin Dalgleish.

His sister Michelle, who was with him at the end last Monday, said that Chris didn't let the disease get him down, and that he recently enjoyed his 30th birthday with his friends and family.

She said: "Over the last couple of years, he just got a lot worse and he'd been admitted to hospital a few times.

"In January we actually discharged him from hospital so we could throw him a surprise 30th birthday party at The Brig Inn and he had a brilliant time.

"He managed to bounce back from pneumonia as well earlier in the year.

"This time he'd caught an infection and just couldn't fight it any more."

Chris' friends and family will say a final goodbye on Monday at Seafield Crematorium, and will have a collection for the MS Society.

Michelle added: "I would like to thank everyone who cared for and supported Chris.

"He was a kind, caring, loving, determined and courageous person right to the end.

"Chris loved his wife and his son very, very much and all the family are at a complete loss, but at least he is at peace now.

"I could never have asked for a better wee brother."

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