A near-death experience and two year battle for retired fireman from Linton has prompted the thankful man to donate more than £2000 to charity last week (December 12).

Les Greig, 75, had such a serious fall in his cousin’s house nearly two years ago that he might have died if a passer-by did not stop and help. The good samaritan called the air ambulance, who took him to Addenbrooke’s Hospital where he was put in intensive care – he remained touch and go for months.

After this ordeal, the Brain Injury Rehabilitation Trust at Fen House in Ely helped Les for two weeks, teaching him how to walk and do tasks around the house that people take for granted.

The Essex Freemasons, of which Les is member, donated £2,250 to the brain trust as a thanks for the help and care they offered, which Les said gave him his life back.

Future patients will benefit from improved facilities that the money can provide.

He said: “I have already been helped, and I am so grateful for everything that was done for me.

“I only hope that this money will assist someone else and help bring them back to life.”