Scottish grandad with one lung – battled cancer twice – now beats coronavirus

William Burns, 75, a grandad from Scotland left with just one lung after recovering twice from cancer, has now beaten coronavirus too.

A grandad left with just one lung after twice overcoming cancer has now beaten coronavirus too. Burns told The Scottish Daily Record that it was a ‘miracle’ he made it through his latest fight, having previously survived prostate cancer as well as losing a lung during a second bout which has since left him prone to pneumonia.

The grandfather-of-14 was forced to battle coronavirus without his wife Ruby Ivy, 54, or their five sons by his side. Medics feared two-times cancer survivor Burns would be overcome by the ravages of the coronavirus pandemic after he was admitted with breathing problems.

Miraculously, Burns was finally discharged from Crosshouse Hospital in Ayrshire on April 21 to a standing ovation from medics and fellow patients.

Now Burns – the former businessman from Irvine – who turns 76 on April 29 –  said he is looking forward to making a full recovery at home and living life to the full again – with a haircut high on his priorities.

He further told The Scottish Daily Record: “But I have a really positive outlook and I believe in the power of the brain.

“There was never a moment when I thought I wasn’t going to make it.

“I’ve had viruses before but this one was very bad.

“I’m used to getting infections as my throat has been scarred by treatments but my breathing was getting worse.