A Leith dad received a truly wonderful surprise when he was released from hospital after battling COVID-19. The cancer survivor had an infection on his lung, then contracted pneumonia, but managed to beat the illness much to the relief and joy of his friends and family.
Louis Avinou, who lives in Spain, was being applauded out of hospital when he suddenly caught sight of his daughter Zoe, who he hadn't seen in weeks.
He was so overwhelmed he fell down in tears, and Zoe - who was filming - says she had to turn the camera off as they were both crying too much to continue.
Louis is originally from Leith in Edinburgh but now runs a bar in Spain. However, he comes back to Leith regularly to see his many friends. One of his Edinburgh school pals, Hugh Paterson, shared the video saying: "Our friend survived."
Speaking to Edinburgh Live , Hugh said:
"I've known Louie since I was 14, I'm 62 now! Me and his other Edinburgh friends have a school reunion each year and he always comes over for it. For his 60th, we threw him a big party and kept it a complete secret, we flew him to Edinburgh - he was so embarrassed.
"He sadly lost his wife to cancer, and he's a cancer survivor himself so we were all really worried about him in hospital.
"When we got sent the video by Zoe it had me greeting.
"Although he stays in Spain he's a Leither through and through, he doesn't drink but loves his Irn Bru."
His daughter Zoe told Edinburgh Live:
"I live three hours away from my dad. He was in the Calella hospital, I live in Lleida, and I drove to see him and surprise him when he was discharged.
"It was very emotional because I haven't seen my dad since my birthday, and he didn't know i was waiting for him.
"He is really tired and I have to give him his medicine everyday, but he is gonna get there! He is the strongest man i've ever seen.
"He is more than a legend to me."
Hugh also shared the video of Louis's emotional release from hospital to the Old Leithers Reunited Facebook page, where it received over 100 comments from many different well-wishers.
One friend said: "Louie I never knew. So happy you're ok. Great news."
Another pal added: "Really upset (in a good way) bawling my eyes out watching this."
And Louis himself took the time to comment, saying: "I want to give people hope from this, c'mon everyone we can beat this virus. Keep safe. Thanks for your support."
Louis also contacted Edinburgh Live to say:
"All my nurses were fantastic, couldn't have asked for any better.
"The hospitals here are top class for medical care as I know with my two bouts of cancer.
"I've got the best nurse looking after me at home now my daughter ( baby) Zoë."
Congratulations to a true 'Leith Legend', we hope you get well soon Louis.
