A merchant sailor who lost his hair after suffering from a viral infection which caused him to sleep for 20 hours a day has spoken of his joy after receiving a medal for 30 years’ service to the Merchant Navy.
Dundonian Scott Agnew, 48, was awarded the Merchant Navy Medal at a glitzy event in London in recognition of his contributions throughout the past three decades.
Scott’s time at sea has included a spell in war-stricken Yugoslavia where he worked alongside the United Nations.
The award was all the more sweet for the sailor as he only returned to work at the start of last year after being floored by a mysterious viral infection which left doctors flummoxed.
Medics had initially told Scott he would likely never work again, but his employers eventually paid for him to see a specialist who diagnosed him with “a viral infection which was slowing down his system”.
By the time he was finally diagnosed Scott had lost all of his hair and was spending the majority of his days in bed.
Though his hair is yet to grow back, Scott revealed that his health has now improved drastically.
He told The Courier: “I first started to feel lethargic and ill in December 2013.
“It was my first Christmas home with my wife and daughter for two years and it ended up being ruined.
“By New Year I was spending up to 20 hours a day in bed, had no appetite and lost all of my hair.
“It took me three months to get back to work because the doctors I was seeing had no idea what to diagnose me with.
“I was told I would never get back to sea, but my employers eventually paid for me to see a specialist and he diagnosed me with a viral infection which was slowing my system down.
“I’m feeling not too bad now, but my hair hasn’t grown back yet.
“I’ve been told it could take a few years. I used to have long blonde hair so at least I’m saving money on shampoo!”
Although he is delighted to have his endeavours rewarded, Scott had no idea he was to receive his prestigious award.
“I didn’t know the award even existed,” he said.
“It was my wife who told me that I had received a letter informing us that I was to receive the Merchant Navy Medal.
“It’s nice to have my service recognised and the event in London was really nice.”