A palliative care unit volunteer who was killed in Wednesday’s deadly train derailment has been described by colleagues as “incredibly caring, fun-loving, genuine and kind”.
Christopher Stuchbury, 62, was said to have brought comfort to patients, families, staff and fellow volunteers at NHS Grampian’s Roxburghe House in Aberdeen.
Passenger Mr Stuchbury died alongside driver Brett McCullough, 45, and conductor Donald Dinnie, 58, when a train crashed near Stonehaven on Wednesday morning after hitting a landslip.
Six others were also injured on board the 6.38am Aberdeen to Glasgow Queen Street service. Two patients remain in a stable condition in hospital.
Mandy Urquhart, voluntary services manager at Roxburghe House, paid tribute to Mr Stuchbury.
She said: “Chris really was a man much loved by all who knew him. He was incredibly caring, fun-loving, genuine and kind.
“His compassion and understanding brought him through the doors of Roxburghe House nine years ago, to help others at their time of need.
“Since then he has become a familiar, and regular, face on the ward with his tea trolley and in our coffee bar.
“He brought comfort and a welcome distraction to patients, their families, our staff and volunteers in so many ways.”
Mr Stuchbury, from Aberdeen, was a member of the Targe Towing Team.
In a statement released by his family, he was said to be a “much adored husband, son, dad, stepdad, grandad, brother and uncle and was a treasured and loved friend to many”.
Ms Urquhart added: “We were absolutely privileged to work alongside him and will remember him with a smile and of the stories and the laughter we shared on so many Fridays.
“Our deepest sympathy and sincere condolences are with his family, friends and colleagues at this incredibly difficult time.”
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