Turkey heart attack victim Douglas McKendrick still battling for his life; Forth v Lesmahagow called off as mark of respect

Turkey heart attack victim Douglas McKendrick remained in a coma at Wishaw General Hospital earlier today (Thursday).

The 63-year-old Forth Wanderers committee man, who was airlifted home on Tuesday, was in the Adult Critical Care unit at the Lanarkshire hospital with family at his bedside.

Douglas's son Colin (39), who had spent an agonising 11 days stranded in Turkey with mum Lynn and brother Douglas Jnr in the wake of his dad's collapse, told the Carluke and Lanark Gazette on Thursday afternoon: "My dad got scans yesterday and staff are trying to wake him.

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"He had to be heavily sedated. This morning they were trying to reduce the sedation so we can see what the situation is.

"The doctor has told me that my dad could die or he could make some sort of recoveryy. It's just a waiting game.

"It was a nightmare for us over in Turkey because some people's manner was not as friendly as it is in Scotland. It is great to be back here as we have plenty of friends and family to support us which makes it easier.

"The staff at the Wishaw General have been brilliant. We have 24-hour access and dad is getting one to one care."

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As a mark of respect to Dougie's plight, this Saturday's scheduled Forth Wanderers v Lesmahagow Juniors McBookie.com Central Division 1 match has been postponed.

Forth manager Jamie McKenzie fully backs the decision to call off his team’s match against ’Gow.

Jamie said: “Calling the game off was the right thing to do. So many people are emotionally tied to what is happening with Dougie.

“There is so much at stake in terms of somebody’s life.

“Dougie has been at this club for over 40 years so the players are taking this news hard.

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“There are more important things than football and our first thoughts are with Dougie.

“We are trying everything we can to get behind him.”

Douglas is also a good friend of Lesmahagow Juniors manager Robert Irving, as the pair were workmates at the Glenmuir factory in Lanark.

Wanderers secretary Stewart Barrett set up an online appeal to support Dougie and his family which soon raised an incredible £9330 after backing from friends and family.

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