FRIDAY 29, SEPTEMBER, 2017

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE. PHOTO ATTACHED

L-R: SECOND LEFT PAM NAPIER, HOLDING THE CHEQUE ANDY THOMPSON AND EWAN SOUTAR WITH STAFF FROM AMU.

Andy thanks staff for saving his life

Friends Andy Thompson and Ewan Soutar from Dundee completed the West Highland Way to raise money for the Acute Medical Unit (AMU) at Ninewells Hospital.

The generous duo donated £765 to the unit to thank the staff for the “fantastic” care Andy had received in the unit after falling ill in 2013.

In 2013, Andy was at the optician when they discovered he had a bleed behind his eye and he was rushed by ambulance to Ninewells.

Andy said, “I had been feeling a bit unwell and tired. My partner told me to see a doctor but I told her I was fine. I had no idea just how unwell I was. The doctors told me there was a high chance I was going to have a heart attack or stroke.

“It’s been a long road to recovery and I am still having treatment. Before the bleed, I was smoking and had a high stress job. I’ve completely changed my life. I’ve stopped smoking, lost weight, don’t have any caffeine and changed my job.

“If it wasn’t for the support and care I received when I was in AMU, I don’t think I would be here today. Everyone was fantastic.”

Andy and Ewan took on the 96-mile journey together and raised a massive £1,530. The money is being split between the AMU at Ninewells and Marie Curie.

Accepting the cheque, senior charge nurse Pam Napier said, “On half of the unit I would like to thank Andy and Ewan for their very kind donation and congratulate them on completing the West Highland Way. What an achievement!”

Contact:

Lyndsey Daun

NHS Tayside Communications

(01382) 424138