A MAN who "nearly died" has revealed his "devastation" after his motorhome was damaged after thieves stole it. 

Joe McSwiggan, 62, recently moved into sheltered housing in Drumchapel and was attempting to get his life back on track after a difficult 14 months.

Over the last year, he has suffered two heart attacks and a stroke, as well as having his toe amputated as a result of contracting sepsis.

He recently purchased the £9000 vehicle after getting out of hospital and was looking forward to getting back out on the road as part of his recovery.

However, his motorhome was stolen from outside his home in Harrow Court on the morning of Saturday, October 12.


READ NEXT: Mackintosh building sale is 'nail in the coffin' of Glasgow heritage

READ NEXT: Developers who want student flats on Glasgow's Admiral pub site appeal

 

(Image: Joe McSwiggan)

Joe only realised the vehicle was missing after his cousin had come to visit him and pointed out that it was no longer there.

The Drumchapel resident was so distraught that he was unable to contact the police, with his relative doing it for him.

The motorhome was subsequently recovered by police later that evening, but Joe was informed it had suffered damage to the door locks and ignition.

He said: "It has had a significant impact on my mental health.

"I have depression and my aim was to get back out on the road with my motorhome and that has been taken away from me.

"In recent times I have been in and out of hospital. I nearly died of sepsis but I am a fighter and this was meant to be a fresh start.

"I was in tears when it was stolen and it has really rattled me."

(Image: Joe McSwiggan)Joe also opened up on feeling like the chance of rebuilding his life has been "snatched away" from him.

He continued: "I do not know the full extent of the damage yet but it will likely cost me a lot to fix it or buy a replacement.

"This incident has wiped the life out of me.

"I did not even get the chance to drive it before it was stolen.

"This whole incident has got me down. Your home is meant to be a safe place and for something to be done like this is gutting."

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "Around 3.20pm on Saturday, October 12, we received a report of the theft of campervan in the Harrow Court area of Glasgow.

"The vehicle has been recovered and enquiries are ongoing."