A BRAVE pensioner battling an incurable lung condition has vowed to stay active after he bounced back to complete a 10k walk.

Billy Herd, 77, was rushed to Ayr hospital last Christmas where doctors had to drain a litre of fluid from his lungs.

He was diagnosed with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) which affects his respiratory system and can leave patients feeling increasingly breathless.

But Billy had other ideas after receiving physiotherapy and got back on his feet by signing up to a host of classes in order to stay active.

Through South Ayrshire Council’s Invigorate and Healthy rehabilitation classes at the Citadel which help people who have suffered from cancer, heart disease as well as lung conditions stay active, Billy started to build up his fitness.

In March, he took on the Kiltwalk in Glasgow, walking 10k to raise money for Whiteleys Retreat.

Billy told the Advertiser: “I was very lucky. They thought I had pneumonia at first, but then they found I had a litre of fluid in my lungs. The consultant and his team were excellent. They diagnosed with COPD.”

“I then started doing various classes which I felt great benefit from them. The first thing I wanted to do was walk the length of the promenade which I managed to achieve. I then managed to achieve my goal of doing the Kiltwalk this year. It was a struggle but I managed it.”

“ I am a trustee for Whiteleys and help out there a lot, it keeps me motivated.” “I know my limitations, I know I will never cure it but what I am doing at the moment helps me. I’m sleeping better and I feel better.”

Billy already has his eyes set on the Kiltwalk next year.