AN INSPIRATIONAL pensioner who underwent a triple heart bypass operation at the Golden Jubilee returned to say thanks with a massive cheque.

Garage owner Scott Bennie, 78 received the treatment at the Clydebank hospital last August before spending 12 days in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) following additional lung problems.

He ended up spending four weeks in the Golden Jubilee and a further week in Hairmyres hospital before being discharged.

Since then, Scott from Strathaven, has received aftercare through the hospitals InS:PIRE programme (Intensive Care Syndrome: Promoting Independence and Return to Employment).

It’s this care which inspired Scott and wife Helen, also 78, to raise money by holding a concert and supper night in their local Strathaven Trinity Church.

The pair managed to raise £1,480 for the hospital.

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Scott said: “I’m really fortunate to still be here and if it wasn’t for the amazing staff at the Golden Jubilee I probably wouldn’t be.

“Through InS:PIRE I’ve been able to get one-to-one sessions and the staff have been able to solve a few problems for me. The staff have also given me a lot of confidence so it’s a very worthy thing.”

Helen added: “We are very grateful to everyone who came along on the night and donated money and prizes. We just wanted to give something back to the Golden Jubilee for the amazing care they gave Scott.”

The InS:PIRE programme was set up three years ago to give specialist care to patients who have spent time in ICU, as some can experience extreme difficulties after their hospital stay.

Annette Asher, charge nurse, said: “It’s brilliant to see how great Scott is doing, getting back to his old self and having a decent quality of life again.

“We are so grateful for the donation they have made, it’s a fantastic amount to raise from one night and we’d like to thank everyone involved.”