AN award-winning apprentice is keeping Inverclyde Royal Hospital wind and watertight — as a thank-you for taking care of his late dad.

Greenock’s Gary McNelis has been named the health board’s modern apprentice of the year for his outstanding commitment and talent — the latest in a long line of accolades.

The 25-year-old told the Tele that keeping patients warm is his way of paying the hospital back for the love and care that was shown to his family there.

His much loved dad Gerald, inset, lost his battle with lung cancer 12 years ago.

Apprentice technician Gary, who works across IRH and Ravenscraig, said: “Our family have a very close connection to the IRH. 

“My dad was treated here and I like to think that when I keep it warm for the patients here, I am in some way paying it back for my dad.

“I would really hope that my dad is proud of me. He was a real character.

“My mum Janet was a nurse and midwife here as well.”

Gary was only 13 when his father, a joiner, died in November 2004.

He appeared in the Tele after finishing off a scaled model of the Titanic that his dad had started before he died. 

Since being recruited as an apprentice Gary has won engineering apprentice of the year, a recognition award from Health Facilities Scotland and an engineering student of the year prize.

Gary, who lives in Dempster Street with his fiance Nicole, said: “My mum’s mantelpiece is full now!”

The outstanding apprentice is a trainee engineering technician, schooled on the job to keep the hospital ticking over.

He added: “It is hard work as you can imagine — it is an older hospital.

“But I tell you what, you certainly learn lots of skills working here. I absolutely love it.

“I would like to pay a special thanks to my journeymen Phil Kennedy and Cameron McKechnie.

“They have taught me everything I know.”

Gary has completed his modern apprenticeship in a partnership with NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde and Glasgow Clyde College.

Alistair Rodgers of Glasgow Clyde College congratulated him as a ‘standout candidate’ throughout his studies.

Frances Carmichael, of award sponsors UNISON, said: “He has a great passion for what he does and takes great care to do it well.

“Gary has shown great commitment, enthusiasm, knowledge and ability and I can clearly see why he has earned the respect and admiration of his manager and colleagues.”