Dad who needed six brain operations after fall donates cash to lifesaving medics (2025)

Scott Gold, from Paisley, suffered a fractured skull after being knocked to the ground in August last year.

A Scots dad who needed six brain operations after a fall on a night out has donated thousands of pounds to the medics who saved him.

Scott Gold, from Paisley, suffered a fractured skull after being knocked to the ground in August last year.

The 37-year-old accountant endured six brain operations and had a shunt fitted to ease pressure at the Institute for Neurological Sciences (INS) at Glasgow’s Queen Elizabeth University Hospital.

He spent five weeks in an induced coma in the intensive care unit, followed by two weeks in a high dependency ward and nine weeks in the neurorehabilitation unit where he had to relearn basic life skills.

His wife Stephanie was warned to prepare for the worst but Scott battled to return home in time for Christmas. She heaped praise on medics who have supported the couple and their two sons Oliver, 5, and Myles, 3.

Stephanie, 34, said: “They’ve given me my Scott back. It’s only when the worst happens that you find out how amazing these people are. I can’t really put into words how grateful I am.”

Now at home recovering, Scott said: “The staff here keep saying they were just doing their jobs, but to me – and I’m sure to all the other patients who have received help in this unit – they deserve every bit of praise and thanks that we can give them. I’m so glad we could all do something to say thank you in a way that might make a difference.”

Months on from his ordeal, Scott handed over a cheque for almost £7000 to the neurological rehab unit after a charity event at a hotel near his home.

The charity event was organised after Scott's dad Kenny visited his local, the Crookston Hotel, for a drink.

He and his family are regular customers and when he was there Kenny ran into his friend Mick Marlin, who organises the hotel’s Sportsman’s Dinner every year.

Mick said: “I knew Scott’s story so when I heard his family wanted to do something to say thank you I knew I could help.

“The Sportsman’s Dinner has raised money for a range of charities over the years. This year’s event didn’t have a charity, so I suggested it should be in Scott’s honour.”

And earlier this month Kenny, Scott’s mum Mechelle and brother Ian joined Scott and Mick at the hospital to hand over the cash, which will be used to improve facilities for and the experience of patients who receive care there.

Donna Bisland, who is Allied Health Professional Team Lead at the NRU and one of the team involved in his rehabilitation, was on hand to accept the donation.

She said: “On behalf of everyone involved in Scott’s care, and in this unit, I would like to thank him, Stephanie and the whole family, as well as Mick and his generous customers, for this wonderful gesture. Being in hospital can be tough, especially in a unit like this where patients can be with us for a considerable period, so anything we can do to make their time here a little brighter is important.“This donation is so appreciated, and we’ll make sure it’s put to good use.”