A GRANDAD who collapsed outside Trafford General Hospital is looking to trace the passerby who he credits with saving his life.

Frank Marsden managed to attract the attention of the man, who was walking his dog, after he slumped to the ground outside the Davyhulme hospital.

The 64-year-old had driven to the Urgent Care Centre at around 6.30 to 7am on October 1 when he felt unwell, with a severe pain in his ear and throat.

But Frank had forgotten that the centre only opens at 8am, and so found the doors closed.

Frank, of Dalton Avenue, Lostock, said: "I tried to get back to my car, but couldn't. I collapsed on the floor."

Frank spotted a passerby and he lifted his arm holding his phone to attract his attention.

Frank says: "He came over, phoned for an ambulance and stayed with me until it arrived."

Frank was taken to Salford Royal Hospital where medics saved his life.

He was put in an induced coma for three days and then, after several more days of treatment, we was well enough to be discharged by the end of the week.

Doctors told him that a rare virus had attacked his throat.

Frank has a 35-year-old son, Ryan, and a 22-month-old granddaughter, Jessica. He said thinking of Jessica was what kept him going though his ordeal.

He told Messenger: "She was the best medicine."

He added: "It is a lethal condition.

"I am only alive thanks to that man who was walking his dog.

"I would love to find him to thank him. He must live around there."

Franks wants to meet the man to thank him for helping him. He thinks the man may be called Jason. He is about six feet all, and was wearing a grey top. He was walking a big, black dog.

A spokesperson from NHS Trafford Clinical Commissioning Group said: “We are pleased to hear that the man received appropriate care and is making a good recovery. 

The Trafford Urgent Care Centre has opened at 8am since it was established three years ago.  It has now joined forces with the Walk-in Centre and is open 8am-8pm, seven days a week. 

"People requiring care before 8am and after 8pm are advised to use the free-to-call NHS 111 non-emergency medical helpline to be directed to the most appropriate place; or call 999 in a medical emergency, if someone is seriously ill or injured and their life is at risk.”

Frank can be contacted on 07841 696275.