AN AYR United fan who survived a COVID scare has bounced back to sell the last batch of face masks to protect other supporters from the virus.

Alasdair Malcolm, 56, has sold off the final lot of the protective masks which have been purchased by Ayr football fans from all over the world whilst helping to raise vital funds for this beloved club.

It comes just a month after the former police officer was struck down by coronavirus and endured a four day battle in hospital with COVID-19.

The last edition of the masks ordered have helped add a further £371.50 to thousands already raised from sales earlier in the year.

Alasdair was helped along by his daughter Karen, 17, who supported her dad to get the word out and sell the branded masks.

Now as fans have bought the last batch of the masks Alasdair has raised £4,031.74 to go direct to the club’s coffers.

Alasdair has hailed the amazing response to everyone who chose to support their club whilst protecting themselves and others during the 2020 coronavirus pandemic.

He told the Advertiser: “I just want to thank everyone who has bought them the support has been brilliant, we never expected it to become this big. “

Purchases came from further afield than Ayrshire, with fans living in Germany, Australia and Canada placing orders.

Alasdair believes there is now a light at the end of the tunnel after the advent of a vaccine and hopes the day will come soon where the masks are no longer required.

He said: “Now we’ve got the vaccine rolled out I can’t wait for the day these masks can be placed inside the drawer and not needed again.

“But we have been fortunate to get them out there at the right time when face masks became mandatory.

“It was to keep fans safe and keep the connection with the club going whilst they couldn’t get the football.”

Alasdair is now fully on the road to recovery from coronavirus and was able to get back to sorting out the last masks before Christmas.

He added: “It was an experience I woudn’t wish on anybody and I wouldn’t like to repeat it certainly makes you appreciate what you have got

“We all take a lot for granted, you should really appreciate simple things like going out and meeting friends or going to the football that is what this year has taught us.”

Alasdair hopes the masks can be put to good use at Somerset if South Ayrshire restrictions drop low enough to allow a small number in.