A DEVOTED husband has been inspired to go the extra mile by his wife's brave recovery from a stroke.

George Hegarty, 53, is gearing up for the Blackpool Marathon next month to raise funds for Chest, Heart and Stroke Scotland.

The former member of Inverclyde Athletic Club is a seasoned runner and this will be his 22nd marathon to date, but it will feel particularly special.

George, of Broomhill Court, said: "My wife Elizabeth took a stroke in 2012, she was taken to Inverclyde Royal and then to the Southern General.

"It was a big shock, it was lucky she was treated so quickly.

"It is so important to look out for the signs.

"Elizabeth is better now but I think it is important to raise awareness."

Superfit George has raised thousands of pounds for charities over the years and is out pounding the streets up to four times a week as part of his training regime.

Elizabeth, who turns 70 this month has fortunately made a good recovery from her stroke but has been left with memory problems and has also since been diagnosed with the lung disease.

She told the Tele: "It happened very suddenly.

"I was lying in bed and then I couldn't move - it was very frightening.

"I tried to get up and I had no feeling down the one side.

"I managed to call my son-in-law who phoned an ambulance and I was taken to Inverclyde Royal then I was taken, blue-lights flashing, to the Southern General.

"I think that was the key to it all, I was treated so quickly.

"I was thrombolysed with intravenous drugs to break down the blood clots.

"It took me a good few months to get my mobility back to normal, but my memory has been affected."

Elizabeth has a son and daughter from a previous marriage, five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

She says George, a security guard, is also running for other family members including her son-in-law who has undergone a quadruple heart bypass.

Elizabeth said: "I think George is going to do really well at the marathon and it will help to raise awareness.

"We have a lot of cases of heart disease and stroke and any funds raised for the charity will really help."

To sponsor George visit https://chassrunning19.everydayhero.com/uk/blackpool-marathon