David James McGarrity (25 Nov 1991 - 22 Nov 2019)

In loving memory of David James McGarrity who sadly passed away suddenly on 22nd November 2019.

David, despite many difficulties, had an extremely happy childhood surrounded by an extensive support network of family, friends, teaching assistants and teachers. He attended mainstream schooling throughout his education. College life was not to be, as David could not adapt to the unpredictability of things and unexpected changes of routine.

He had a short time at both Equinable, where he worked with horses and Down to Earth Farm, where he worked with a variety of animals. His favourite was Penny the pig, who would respond eagerly to his voice, as she knew food was on the way.

David underwent lengthy surgery in 2011 to correct a double curvature of his spine, which had been worsening since he was nine years old. He made a marvelous recovery and gained many inches in height. The pain he suffered however, never went away.

For a short time David had his own flat and despite returning home to live, it had been hoped that he would still have an independent life at some point in the future. But ill health and hospital admissions stopped that happening.

After having pneumonia in September 2018 his health declined further and we were told in October that there was nothing more to be done to improve his health. As he was in a stable condition David was discharged from hospital, but he now relied on oxygen to assist his breathing.

No one expected David to pass away only six days after coming out of hospital and it is a great shock for everyone.

But, we must remember that David did the things he wanted on his last day and that he no longer has pain. No more P.W.S., no more Asperger's Syndrome, no more Diabetes and no more restriction on food and drink.