AN UPLIFTING image of an 82-year-old Irish grandfather leaving hospital after recovering from Covid-19 has provided a much-needed boost to millions across Ireland.
A picture of farmer Paddy-Joe Lynch leaving Sligo General Hospital was uploaded to Facebook by his proud and emotional granddaughter Anne Tiernan.
Wheeled out in his dressing fown wearing a face mask with one hand held aloft in victory, the image has proven a hit on social media, where it has already been shared 5,400 times.
Paddy's age meant he was in the most at-risk category when it comes to Covid-19.
However, he defied these grave expectations to make a full recovery - offering hope to millions in the process.
“I just had to share this photo,” Anne wrote alongside the image.
“It makes me so proud and so happy and it's also a bit of positivity in such a negative time.”
“This is a picture of my 82-year-old grandad who is leaving hospital after fighting the corona virus like the boss that he is,” she continued.
And while Anne was keen to celebrate her grandfather’s fighting spirit, she was also eager to single out the "wonderful staff” at Sligo University Hospital for their help and care.
“We can’t them them all enough,” she wrote.
The picture prompted an outpouring of emotion from well-wishers on Facebook eager to celebrate Paddy’s recovery and the work of Sligo General Hospital.
“Aah how lovely,” one person wrote. “God bless him and well done UHS xx”
“Amazing!!!!” another added. “God love him!!! And God love the staff at Sligo university hospital!”
A third, meanwhile, simply said “Welcome home”.
A ray of light in these otherwise dark and difficult times, Paddy’s story has since gone viral across Ireland, with the Irish Independent describing him as a “beacon of hope”.
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