AN IRISH grandfather received a hero’s welcome from his neighbours after returning home from hospital having beaten coronavirus.
65-year-old Buncrana man Donal Bradley spent weeks in an Intensive Care Unit and seven days on a ventilator after testing positive for COVID-19.
However, the Donegal man successfully recovered from the deadly virus and was subsequently discharged from hospital.
He returned home to a wonderful reception, with each of his neighbours coming out into their respective gardens to clap and cheer his safe return upon arriving home.
Footage of the heartwarming moment soon made its way onto social media, striking a chord with countless others across Ireland in the process.
65 year old granddad Donal Bradley is welcomed home to Buncrana, #Donegal after spending almost 2 weeks in ICU and a week on a ventilator with #COVID19 pic.twitter.com/tkDP8C5GhX
— Greg Hughes (@GregHughes2) April 11, 2020
In the clip, Donal can be seen thanking his neighbours for their kind response and support throughout his time in hospital.
It's an impressive turnout, with families lining the surrounding streets and roads, while maintaining a safe distance from one another.
"Thank you from the bottom of my heart, the prayers worked," he tells the assembled crowd.
"It's good to be home."
Further proof of the indomitable fighting spirit that has characterised Ireland’s community-led response to the coronavirus pandemic, Donal’s story offers hope to us all and serves as yet another reminder that no one is alone in this fight.
