AN 82-YEAR-OLD Saltcoats man has overcome COVID-19 in a North Ayrshire care home that was struck down with the virus.

Donnie McMillan battled coronavirus for just over two weeks, with his family unable to see him, as he fought back to good health in Fullarton Care Home, Irvine.

The former Scottish boxing champion was first diagnosed with COVID-19 after testing positive for the virus on Saturday, May 2.

His daughter Jan Upex, 51, feared the worst after seeing how the virus had taken lives in care home across the country.

Jan told the Herald: “He fell ill on the Thursday, they tested him on the Saturday and called us to tell us he had coronavirus.

“It was horrendous to think he had this virus in a nursing home. We thought ‘god is this the last time we’ll see him’. It’s his age as well, we were just so worried.”

The time was made even more difficult for Jan, and Donnie’s two sons Gerry, 54 and Donnie Jnr, 57, as they were unable to visit their dad.

But Jan praised the amazing staff at the care home who helped her dad and kept the family in touch.

She said: “They’ve been fantastic, they had his room set up so we could video call and get to speak to him. They gave us updates no matter when we called.

“But we all chose not to video call him, because he relates seeing us to taking him out to go places. We didn’t want to confuse him.”

We told last week how Donnie, a life long Celtic fan known as the ‘Fighting Celt’, helped his club’s famous Lisbon Lions, lift the European Cup in 1967, as he paved the way for Billy McNeil to get through the crowd of jubilant Hoops fans.

Donnie, who faced some almighty challenges in the ring, may have taken some knocks due to coronavirus but his family were thrilled when he was given the all clear.

Jan added: “My dad’s never really had many health problems through his life, he always kept fit through the boxing. He lost a lot of weight as he had stopped eating, but he started to eat again and he’s been putting the weight back on. It was such a relief to hear he was improving. ”

Fullarton Care Home have praised their staff for helping residents fight coronavirus.

Sadly, more than 10 people have died at the care home.

A spokesperson said:“We’re pleased that Mr McMillan’s health, and that of many other residents, has improved and they’re feeling much better.

“We would like to thank our frontline colleagues. The way they have risen to the challenge of the coronavirus outbreak by showing huge courage, dedication and commitment to our residents is nothing short of heroic.”