A DRUMCHAPEL man and his community group stopped off at local shops and businesses to deliver thank you cards to key workers who helped the community throughout the pandemic.

In July 2019, William Gallagher suffered from a stroke and was discharged from hospital five days later. He was left struggling to walk, but was determined to get back on his feet.

He said: “When I had my stroke, the doctors at the hospital told me it was actually the second one I’d had, but I had no idea anything had happened to me.

“When I got home, I tried to walk my dog, Alfie. I used to walk everywhere for miles, but I couldn’t even go half a mile.

“I was so disappointed that I didn’t have the energy.

“But Alfie went to stay with my son for a few weeks and I began to recuperate.

“When Alfie came home, I was able to take him out again, and we now walk about two and a half miles every morning.”

William is now part of the Drumchapel health walk group - and while its weekly health walk was suspended by coronavirus restrictions, William went out walking every single day by himself, doing five or six miles at a time.

He added: “The best thing that a walk does is help your mental health because just being out and active makes you feel good. The walking group is good for us because everyone goes at their own pace. And we’re out there, no matter the weather.”

“I have lots to be thankful for. My dog Alfie gives me the motivation to get up and out every morning. I am very grateful for all the positive things in my life.”

The group delivered cards to people at various locations, including Drumchapel Health Centre, Lloyds Pharmacy, Police Scotland, Fortune Works, Men Matter, the Post Office, Councillor Elspeth Kerr and Bailie Malcolm Balfour.

Kevin Miller from Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland, who runs the group, said: “William came to have a chat with me after seeing the sign about the health walk. He started the next week and has hardly missed a walk since.

“It’s incredible dedication and inspiring to see.

“It was great to be able to get out and deliver thank you cards to local people who have worked really hard throughout the pandemic.”