“I WILL love and miss him every day of my life but I just didn’t want to see him in pain anymore.”
Those were the words of Jane McDonald, 43, who lost her son a day before his 27th birthday to a genetic form of colonic cancer.
Daryl Johnstone died at his mum’s house in Kirkton on Saturday morning after a battle with metastatic sigmoid cancer.
Daryl, who lived in Charleston for most of his life, was only diagnosed with the cancer after his dad, Craig Johnstone, found out five years ago that he was suffering from the disease that would claim his life two years later.
There was a chance that Craig’s children had the defective gene that caused his illness.
Daryl was tested a year later and was told that he, too, had metastatic sigmoid cancer.
His mum today told the Tele that Daryl was “upbeat and happy” up until his death.
She said: “He was one of the most outgoing, upbeat and happy people — he would do anything for anyone.
“He really loved his partner Samantha and one-year-old son Cole — he proposed to her when he was in hospital.
“They were his world, it was amazing how alike him and Samantha were. They both loved guitar and playing computer games.
“He didn’t ever think about himself. Even when he was ill he would always go out of his way to do things for everyone else.
“I remember being in the hospital with him and he said he hadn’t had a drink in ages.
“When I told him to ask for one he said the nurses were rushed off their feet — he was that kind of person.
“He kept everyone around him going even though he was ill.
“We hoped that he would make it through to Christmas. It will make it harder this year but there are so many family and friends there to support us.”
Despite his illness, Daryl — who was also stepdad to Emma, eight, and Josh, 13 — enjoyed socialising with friends and family, including his brother David, 23, sister Emma, 24, and 11-year-old brother John, attending football matches and concerts. He supported Rangers and Manchester United.
His mum remembers one fond memory of attending a Courteeners concert with him in October 2014.
Daryl also loved to cook for his mum and John Docherty, 35 — his stepdad since he was 13.
Jane added: “I am just grateful he is not suffering anymore.
“Some people would want to keep them but I am more relieved. It is better because he isn’t in pain any more.
“I will love and miss him every day of my life.
“I have never seen anyone deal with it the way he did — he was amazing all the way to the end.”
Daryl’s fiancee Samantha Ohren, 33, paid tribute to the Macmillan staff who cared for him — including the nurse tasked with keeping him comfortable in his final days.
She also thanked the doctors who had treated Daryl and family members who offered support — including his grandparents and auntie.