Rutherglen man dies on remote island despite efforts to bring him home

A cancer sufferer who was stuck on an island in the Indian Ocean has died despite efforts to return home to Scotland for treatment.

The health of Jon Paul McAllister, 38, deteriorated rapidly while on holiday with his partner, Craig Park.

They had gone on to South Africa, Madagascar and the Seychelles to celebrate the end of Mr McAllister's chemotherapy treatment and their January engagement.

After falling ill, he was stuck at a medical facility on the French island Reunion, unable to take a commercial flight back to Scotland.

A JustGiving page set up to try to raise funds for treatment and travel has now announced Mr McAllister died with Mr Park by his side.

The post said: “Jon Paul fought so hard against this awful illness for nine long months and now he's at peace.

“He was a legend that will live on forever in our memories and in our hearts.

“We were so close to getting JP home.

“A medical repatriation service had been organised to fly him home on Saturday before his health rapidly deteriorated. Unfortunately, this was a non-refundable cost.

“Jon Paul and all his loved ones have been completely overwhelmed and touched by the generosity and support of everyone and cannot thank you all enough.

“We are now doing everything we can to bring JP home for that Scottish send-off he deserves.

“Any further donations to help with this and the vast medical costs that have unfortunately been incurred, would be greatly appreciated by us all.''

The fundraiser had reached more than £25,000 on Monday.

Their target had been to reach £35,000 to pay for overseas treatment and an air ambulance flight home.

The full costs of hospital treatment are not covered, despite Reunion being a part of France."