A Helensburgh man has praised the NHS for saving his life as it celebrated turning 70 years old last week.

Andrew Nelson, who is just three weeks older than the NHS, explained that he started volunteering at the Golden Jubilee Hospital to give something back after the health service saved his life.

He told the Advertiser: “If it wasn’t for NHS Scotland and the marvellous transplant team here, I wouldn’t be here today.

“Prior to my heart attack I’d never been ill and therefore never needed to see a doctor. I was always athletic, had a very demanding job, always on the go and interested in sport and going about my daily duties with absolute ease.

“When I fell ill the NHS was there for me.” He added: “They were super efficient, helpful and extremely compassionate and I have nothing but the highest praise for their brilliant staff our national service.”

Andrew suffered a major heart attack shortly before his 40th birthday and underwent triple bypass surgery.

However, his health became steadily worse over the next 10 years and he had to have a heart transplant 20 years ago at Glasgow’s Royal Infirmary Hospital.

After the care Andrew received, he decided to start volunteering as a Peer Support Volunteer to give something back to the NHS and now volunteers in the Golden Jubilee Hospital every Tuesday.

The former Military Police Sargent visits patients waiting for heart transplants or who have had the operation to talk about their feelings and any complaints or problems they might have to put their mind at ease.

He said: “I think I can share my gift of life with others and hopefully make them feel better.

“When patients are put on the transplant list they are introduced to me and I have a chat with them and share my experience to help them come at ease with their situation.

“And then when they have had their transplant I go visit them in the ward and if they have issues I reassure them that it will get better.”

Andrew has also volunteered with the Red Cross and explained that helping others has always been a passion of his.

Marcella Boyle, Chair of the Golden Jubilee Volunteer Forum, said: “All of our volunteers give up their own time to help others when they need it most; they are a credit to themselves, our hospital and the NHSScotland.

“Andrew’s role is particularly important, helping seriously ill patients through a difficult time and giving them hope to keep their spirits high.”