EX-GUARD SLAMS RULE-FLOUTERS

A FORMER security guard has told of his “sheer hell” after catching coronavirus and how the experience almost broke him.

Paul Maclean (pictured) lost two stone in two weeks and lived on a mattress on his living room floor after contracting the disease.

The 55-year-old former Bangor University security guard team leader spoke of his battle back to normality after having to have food parcels delivered.

He said his ordeal changed him significantly as he urged people to stick to social distancing rules.

The dad and grandfather from Bangor said: “I tested positive for coronavirus in January after a home-taken test.

“I couldn’t get out bed due to the fatigue and stress.”

“I spent two weeks of sheer hell living on a mattress on my living room floor and this was possibly the worst I’ve ever felt.

“I’m a very active person; I worked at Bangor University for 21 years and also worked at a local nightclub within the city for 30 years.

“I’m a healthy person, I keep fit and work out regularly.”

He added: “I have stuck within the rules since the start of the pandemic.

“I’ve missed out on seeing my grand-children and family and whilst I’m sticking to the rules and others are flouting them blatantly.”

Paul claims he’s seen groups of unmasked youngsters coming from house parties across Bangor and believes there are still many people not taking the pandemic seriously.

He took to Facebook to let friends and family know how much they’ve helped keep his spirits up and urged people to take heed of the Welsh Government restrictions.

“I wish I knew how it got to me.

“I can’t explain the fever pains I had and I would not wish these pains on anybody,” Paul added.

“Coronavirus cost me more than just two weeks of sheer hell on my living room floor – it cost me time speaking to friends, family and loves ones.

“I’ve lost two stone in weight in two weeks and with all restrictions in place I think I’ll struggle to put it back on.

“I don’t think I’m talking just for myself here in saying I can’t wait for life to get back to normal so the sooner people start listening, the better.

“Stay safe, and really do take extra care.”