Mum thanks Worcestershire Royal Hospital after coronavirus battle

Mum-of-one Heather Jones admits she had "given up all hope of surviving" after being rushed to hospital with a temperature of 40 degrees on April 9 and testing positive for the virus two days later.

The 49-year-old, who lives in Areley Kings, said: "I'd been suffering with a cough, dry throat, violent headaches, aching limbs, dizziness and fatigue for a week.

• Stourport carer makes masks for others after beating coronavirus

"On the Thursday evening, I got my daughter ready for bed, but I was struggling for breath in between coughing fits.

"I knew I was in serious trouble and while I had tried to manage my covid-19 symptoms at home, I had no choice but to call an ambulance."

Heather had already lost a close family member to the virus the week before and was rushed to hospital by ambulance on blue lights.

Heather Jones fights coronavirus in hospital

"I was frightened, crying and shaking as well as gasping for breath," she said. "The medics worked very hard on me and got the liquid antibiotics straight into my system.

"I was also advised of cracking on my lungs.

"The next three days or so passed by in a blur. I felt myself drifting between being asleep and awake but was too frightened to go to sleep that first night.

"I really don't know how I got through those three days. I thought I was going to die. I was that close to death, it was frightening.

Heather with nine-year-old daughter Mia

"The idea of leaving my daughter without a mummy, it tortured me.

"I kept asking the nurses if I was going to die and they would say they didn't know. But I had full faith in them. They were constantly looking after me.

"I can't thank them enough. They saved my life."

On Easter Sunday, Heather was given the good news that she would be discharged the following day, although she would need to stay apart from her family until her symptoms subsided.

Heather Jones with life-saving staff at Worcestershire Royal Hospital

"It was then I realised the threat to my life had passed," said Heather. "On being discharged, I had my photo taken with the team of life-saving medics.

"I said I'm going to clap you, but they clapped me as well. I cried tears of joy. I was finally going back to my life."

After being reunited with her family on Sunday, Heather has pledged to write a book about her experiences, named The Covid Diaries, and donate the proceeds to doctors' surgeries in Stourport.

She has also set up a fundraising page for the hospital heroes who saved her life.

Heather Jones leaves hospital after a life-and-death battle with coronavirus

"Having lost a relative to the virus, I've seen both sides of the illness," said Heather. "It was the biggest battle of my life. It's left me with a lot of guilt that I have survived and others haven't.

"I know I can never fully repay the debt but would like to show my gratitude to our wonderful NHS."

To donate, go to justgiving.com/fundraising/heatherjones-heroes.