A man who suffered a stroke because of a hole in his heart has donated £3,000 to the hospital that saved his life.

Richard Taylor raised the money for North Middlesex University Hospital after his recovery from a stroke he suffered while at work in February.

The 49-year-old was treated by stroke specialist Dr Robert Luder, who heads hospital’s stroke unit.

Mr Taylor was so impressed with his care that he wanted to give something back to the NHS – and to the doctor who treated him.

He said: “I wanted to say thank you NHS and its staff for the superb treatment I received which enabled me to recover to the extent that I have.

“The money will be well spent to help the recovery of other people who have suffered a stroke.”

Mr Taylor, his wife Laura and a group of friends completed a 10K run sponsored by the British Heart Foundation at Blenheim Palace in October and raised £3,001.

They presented a cheque to the hospital yesterday.

Dr Luder said: “About three months ago Richard emailed me out of the blue, saying he was so pleased and impressed with the care he received in the NHS, he wanted to give something back and wanted to raise money for ‘your stroke unit'.

“He then organised a group of friends, along with him and Laura, to do the 10K. He managed to walk it, and that was truly inspiring.”