GONE IN HOURS; Pals devastated by shock death of rugby giant, 32.

Byline: HEATHER RAMSAY

STRAPPING rugby "giant" Kevin McDonald died just hours after being diagnosed with leukaemia.

Kevin, 32, had just finished his best season, winning Kirkcaldy Rugby Club second string's Player of the Year award for his heroics on the pitch and making his debut for the first XV.

But after feeling ill while on holiday with long-term lover Gail Williamson, 15-stone 6ft 3ins forward Kevin was rushed to hospital.

He was diagnosed with leukaemia and died within hours after suffering liver failure.

Kevin's coach Kenny Grieve, 32, said: "We are all absolutely devastated.

"This is a real shock. He was a young fit man and it is difficult to comprehend how something like this could happen."

Kevin, who lived with Gail in East Wemyss, Fife, had played for Kirkcaldy since he was a teenager.

Ron Ferguson, 64, who coached Kevin as a junior, said: "He was a gentle giant.

"I did not even know he was ill, so it was a complete shock when I heard he had died."

Kevin, a former pupil at Balwearie High School in Kirkcaldy, complained of being tired while on holiday in Inverness.

It is thought Gail phoned an NHS helpline on June 18 before Kevin was diagnosed with leukaemia and died the following day at Victoria Hospital in Kirkcaldy.

Mike Brown, manager of the Kirkcaldy service station where Kevin worked, said: "Everyone knows the place as "Big Kev's" garage."

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VICTIM: Kevin McDonald