A Rangers fan who fell seriously ill while on holiday in Benidorm has been transported back to Glasgow to receive treatment following a desperate appeal from his family.
Jimmy Dott, 85, was enjoying the second day of his trip to Benidorm when he fell ill with an infection. He was initially rushed to a private hospital but, due to the huge fee, his family were forced to transfer him to a state facility in Alicante.
The diehard supporter of the Ibrox club was suffering from sepsis and potential spinal damage, and his family were desperate to bring him back to Glasgow. The family set up a GofundMe campaign in a bid to cover the costs of the gruelling 30-hour journey to transport him home.
Among those supporting the appeal was the popular Rangers pub the Bristol Bar in Dennistoun, where Jimmy is a regular, and the family quickly managed to raise over £11,000. In an update on Sunday, his granddaughter Sarah Glass confirmed that her beloved grandparent was back in Glasgow, where he is continuing to receive treatment.
She said: “I have switched off the donations tab on the Gofundme as we managed to get Granda repatriated safely to the Glasgow hospital, all thanks to the amazing people that’s supported us.
“The whole family are completely overwhelmed by everyone’s generosity, from the bottom of my heart THANK YOU no words can describe how grateful we are. My Granda is getting stronger everyday and receiving the best care by our amazing NHS. Thank you, forever grateful.”
Jimmy was hospitalised on January 18 after travelling to Spain with his wife. Sarah Glass organised the fundraiser saying they “didn’t know the outcome at this time,” but that Jimmy was “giving us hope”.
At the time she said: “My granddad is a very proud man and when he’s feeling better he will be having words with me for this but I can’t see them suffer financially we are all suffering enough worrying of his health which is most important.
“I have found an amazing service, an equipped ambulance to transport my grandad and Gran the long 30-hour journey from Alicante to Glasgow whilst being looked after medically. We will be forever grateful for any help offered.”
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