It is with deep shock and sadness that The Hepatitis C Trust announces the sudden death of Andrew McFarlane.
Andy passed away at his home in Falkirk last weekend. Our deep condolences are with all his family and friends at this incredibly difficult time.
Andy had been volunteering with The Hepatitis C Trust since January 2022 and had just been successful in gaining a full-time position with us last month. He was due to start this role on Monday and we had been looking forward to working with him more closely.
As a peer volunteer, Andy had enthusiastically gotten involved in lots of areas of our work, including promotional events, studying for a Health and Social Care Diploma and contributing to research groups. He also conducted and wrote up an interview with Jim Clark for our blog.
Andy used his own experience of hepatitis C treatments to encourage others to test and get treated at every opportunity.
Jim Clark, our Scottish Peer Support Officer, said: “As a person Andy was a bit of a gentle giant, a big lad with a bigger heart. He had a great sense of humour and would go out of his way to help people. This news has come as a complete shock to all who knew Andy and he will be missed by all of us.”
Rachel Halford, CEO of The Hepatitis C Trust, said: “We are all very saddened to learn of Andy’s untimely death and our thoughts are with his family and loved ones at this very difficult time. He had been incredibly passionate about using his experiences to help others and we know he made a huge difference in many people’s lives.”