Heartbeat: 106-year-old Connie bounces back after beating virus

May 18, 2020

Meet 106-year-old Connie Titchen. She is believed to be Britain’s oldest patient to overcome coronavirus, cared for by colleagues at City Hospital. The great grandmother of eight battled the virus for just less than three weeks and was given a clean bill of health by medics earlier this month.

Connie, who was born in 1913, has lived through two World Wars. She was admitted to City Hospital in mid- March with suspected pneumonia and was diagnosed with coronavirus soon afterwards. Connie said: “I feel very lucky that I have fought off this virus. I can’t wait to see my family.”

Connie’s granddaughter, Alex Jones, said her Nan bounces back from anything. “She has had an active life. She loved to dance, cycle and play golf. She has always cooked for herself too, although she likes a cheeky McDonalds now and then. I haven’t told her they are closed. I think the secret of her old age is that she is physically active and very independent. She had a hip operation in December and within 30 days she was walking again. She is amazing, and I know all the family can’t wait to see her.”

Alex added: “The care she has received at the hospital has been brilliant and I can’t fault it. During her stay, I was kept updated constantly by the nurses looking after her and that made me happy. I want to thank the staff for all they have done for her during her stay.”

Sister, Kelly Smith, who looked after Connie added: “It’s been fantastic to see Connie recover. She is amazing, and we did our best to nurse her back to health. We were pleased when she was given the all-clear. It’s nice to see patients leave our ward having beaten this virus.”