Tributes to 'loving' Dave Taylor after cystic fibrosis death

THE family of a 22-year-old graduate who died from cystic fibrosis has paid tribute to a "generous and loving lad who lived life to the full".

Dave Taylor, of Candler Drive, Stone, was diagnosed with the degenerative disease at the age of three.

Parents Linda and Terry say their son's only wish was to "live a normal life" and he fought against the illness to gain a biomedical science degree from Staffordshire University.

Dave, who loved fitting out his black Citroen Saxo and playing computer games online, died on October 10 in his bedroom.

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His 19-year-old girlfriend Becky Gibson said: "I had already spoken to him that morning and we were just getting ready when he said he was feeling funny. He collapsed onto the bed and that was it. We tried to get him on his side but he was bleeding from his mouth."

Paramedics tried to resuscitate Dave for 45 minutes at the family home without success. He had been working part-time in the X-ray department at the University Hospital of North Staffordshire prior to his death.

Linda, aged 60, said: "We thought that after spending so much time in hospital growing up that he wouldn't want to work there but he loved it.

"He had planned to go back to university and study radiography so he could take up a more senior role.

"We were very proud of Dave and he was a fun and loving son."

Dave was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis after it emerged his parents were carriers and was told he would not live beyond 15. But Dave defied medics and attended Walton Priory School and Alleyne's High School, in Stone.

Retired electrical engineer Terry, aged 67, said: "He was very determined to get on in life and he never let the condition get him down.

"From the outside you would never be able to tell anything was wrong with him."

Dave met Becky three years ago and the couple were inseparable.

The college student added: "He was very happy and I hardly ever saw it get to him.

"I always knew this might happen one day, but he was so full of life that we put it out of our minds and just enjoyed living the moment."

Dave had suffered from bleeds on the lungs before and was on a high daily dose of medication to help combat infections. His parents are now pledging to raise money for research into the condition.

Terry said: "If they are still looking for a cure and working on it then perhaps it will save a young life like Dave's."

Dave's funeral takes place on October 30 at St Michael's Church, in Stone, at 11am and then at Stafford crematorium.

To pay your respects to Dave, email tributes@the sentinel.co.uk.