A BANKIE whose life was saved from Covid-19 by the dedication and skill of the NHS has presented his former carers with a cheque in thanks.

Gerry Gilroy, 66, spent more than two weeks in the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital after being rushed there in January.

Well known to Post readers selling the paper in Clyde Shopping Centre for years, Gerry raised £2,200 in June by walking part of the West Highland Way for the two wards at the hospital he credits with pulling him through.

He recently presented the cheque to staff there, many of whom he hadn’t seen since his recovery.

Gerry said: “They remembered me more than I remembered them - they were brilliant.

“It was lovely to see them, They are a great bunch, and every bit as nice as when I was in hospital.

“Thank you everyone who donated.”

READ MORE: Gerry raises £2,200 to thank the medics who saved his life

The money will be split between the high-dependency unit and the dedicated Covid ward, 5C.

Earlier this summer, Gerry told the Post how his daughter Gillian had called 999 when she discovered how bad her dad’s health had become from the coronavirus.

“I didn’t know how serious it had got,” he said, looking back at his hospitalisation.

“You hallucinate and everything. I couldn’t get out of bed.

“I made a recovery in the first week but I was not anywhere near fit.

“My family was told I was very unwell and they couldn’t guarantee I would pull through.

“My chances were slim if it happened earlier in the pandemic, but the treatment was first class.”

Gerry walked a 20-mile stretch from Milngavie to Strathblane in June with his sister Frances, her friend Rosemary Leavy and friend John Fanning.

Gerry said: “I decided if I could get fit enough, I would show my appreciation for everything that happened.

“Nothing was a problem for hospital staff. I feel good that I did this and gave something back to the NHS.”