THE grateful family of an OAP who was saved from having his leg amputated during the coronavirus pandemic sent a drone video to medics to say thank you.

James Donnelly, 72, was rushed to hospital in May with a growth on his left thigh and within days the cancerous tumour had been removed.

The grandfather-of-one was diagnosed with sarcoma, a form of bone cancer, at the Glasgow Royal Infirmary (GRI) and underwent surgery at the Golden Jubilee National Hospital in Clydebank, West Dunbartonshire, on May 6.

The operation, which was moved due to the pandemic, lasted nine hours, but medics managed to save James’ leg from being amputated.

The OAP, from Bishopbriggs, East Dunbartonshire, is still recovering in hospital.

But his grateful grandson, Kiaran, 16, sent medics, including specialist Ashish Mahendra, who runs the Orthopaedic Oncology service at Glasgow Royal Infirmary, a ‘thank you’ message on behalf of the family - by drone.

James’ daughter-in-law Caroline McEwan said: “It all happened in a blink of an eye. 

“We found out right away it was cancer and the surgery couldn’t wait.

“Mr Mahendra called us, sounding exhausted, and told us it had gone really well and the tumour had come away easier than he expected. 

Glasgow Times: KiaranKiaran
 

“He had also managed to save his leg – amputation was a real possibility before.

“It was so overwhelming for us all – you can’t put those emotions into words.  My family will be forever grateful to him and his amazing team.”

READ MORE: The Glasgow Royal Infirmary staff fighting Covid-19 on the front line

James’ grandson Kiaran, 16, decided he wanted to thank Mr Mahendra in a special way, and drew a huge NHS sign in chalk in the middle of their road. 

The family then sent a drone video to Mr Mahendra saying, “Words are not enough”, as neighbours stood by clapping.

Caroline said: “They are miracle workers in our eyes.”