The First Minister has paid tribute to a ‘wonderful’ dad-of-five who tragically lost his fight for life after catching coronavirus last month.
Andrew Slorance passed away on Saturday morning aged just 49 after working tirelessly with the Scottish Government in their response to the pandemic.
His devastated wife Louise announced his tragic death on Twitter and said: “It is with a broken heart that we say Andrew Slorance passed away with Covid-19 on Saturday morning.”
The keen cyclist had just received a stem cell transplant as part of his treatment for mantle cell lymphoma cancer which he was diagnosed with in 2015.
He developed a cough and high temperature - which are common side effects of his chemotherapy - but was shocked to discover he had caught the bug.
His health rapidly deteriorated and he was placed on mechanical ventilation before losing his brave fight yesterday.
Nicola Sturgeon has paid tribute to Andrew and said he would be ‘hugely’ missed.
She wrote: “All of us in Scottish Government are devastated by this news and send love to Louise Slorance and family.
“Andrew was a wonderful person and made a difference in all he did. He was a crucial part of our Resilience team and central to our fight against Covid this year.
“We will miss him hugely.”
Health Secretary Jeane Freeman added: “This is so very sad. Andrew was a lovely, kind man who fought so hard to live and many of us were proud to know and will miss him greatly.
“My heartfelt condolences to you Louise and all the family.”
Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf added: "Louise, I am devastated. Andrew was one of the kindest people I ever came across.
"Despite his health challenges I can't remember him with anything other than a smile on his face. The whole Scottish Government family will miss him tremendously.
"My thoughts & prayers with you."
