A FUNDRAISER for a Borders man who spent more than six months in hospital due to coronavirus has smashed its target.

Scott Drummond, 52, had to learn how to speak again after catching the virus in January last year.

A JustGiving page was set up just before Christmas in an attempt to raise £5,000 for Scott to receive physiotherapy at his Hawick home.

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And the fundraiser has hit its target in less than three weeks, surpassing the £6,000 mark earlier today (January 11).

A message posted by Sandra Henwood, who set up the page, reads: “A big thank you from Scott and [his wife] Susan. We are totally overwhelmed by the kindness you have shown. This will really help Scott get the treatment he needs. We are totally speechless by the generosity given to our family. Many thanks from all the Drummond family.”

Scott is confined to a wheelchair with limited movement and there are hopes that the “much-needed” treatment can help with his recovery.

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“I want to give him hope that life may change for the better and one day he will hold his family in his arms and hold their hands, this is something Scott is currently unable to do,” said Sandra.

Speaking in July about his experience with COVID-19, Scott said: “I was in ITU (intensive care unit) for around three months and on three occasions my wife was advised that it looked like I might not make it.

"Once I was stable enough I was moved from ITU to a ward for rehabilitation and on-going care as I had to learn to speak again and have been left with no power in my legs, arms and hands."

To visit the fundraising page, click here.