A SENIOR citizen who collapsed while out on her morning stroll wants to thank the good samaritans who helped her back on her feet.

Margaret McVicar, 87, was walking up West Stewart Street when she stopped for a rest and sat on the wall outside Jamaica House.

When she stood up, she immediately fell to the ground - and strangers rushed straight to her aid.

She said: "I had just stopped for a wee rest before going up round to West Station.

"When I stood up from sitting on the wall, I just went.

"A man came out of his car and ran across the street to help me.

"He said he saw me falling but I hit the ground before he could reach me.

"Another girl came along and they both sat down on the ground with me.

"I said I would be fine and asked them to phone a taxi to take me home."

Another man managed to get a taxi for Margaret but as her helpers tried to get her into the car, she collapsed again and had to be lowered to the ground, so an ambulance was called.

Paramedics were concerned about Margaret's blood pressure as it was very low and took her to Inverclyde Royal to get checked over.

Margaret says she received a 'full MOT' at the hospital, including a CT scan as she had a bump on her head.

Doctors discovered that the medication Margaret is on for Raynaud's - a condition that causes decreased blood flow to the fingers - was lowering her blood pressure too much.

She was in the hospital for two nights but is now recovering well at home.

Margaret, who lives in Ann Street, had forgotten to take her mobile phone with her on her walk so had to get a message to her daughter and two sons via staff at the hospital.

The sprightly pensioner, who goes to the Wellpark every day for a walk, says she doesn't know what would have happened if the good samaritans had not provided a helping hand.

She said: "I want to say a very big thank-you to everyone who helped me.

"The people who found me didn't know me from Adam but they were so kind.

"The staff at J North in IRH were incredible as well.

"I wanted to bring some good news and to thank people for their kindness."

*If you were one of the people who rushed to Margaret's aid, email our newsdesk at editorial@greenocktelegraph.co.uk