Heartbeat: Dad of one reveals how he beat coronavirus

May 26, 2020

A dad of one who battled coronavirus from his intensive care bed revealed how thinking positively helped him recover. Anthony Morrison, aged 55, spent a week in City Hospital where he was ventilated after being diagnosed with the disease.

“Many people think that having coronavirus is a death sentence, but that isn’t the case,” said Anthony. “I was in a bad way, but I pulled through, and people out there need to know that just because you have the illness does not mean you are going to pass away. I have a friend who has had it and she has also recovered.”

Anthony first experienced symptoms on his way home from work. A couple of days later he began suffering headaches and had a high temperature. His wife called paramedics and initially, he was told to take paracetamol, but his symptoms didn’t ease and he collapsed.

“The paramedics rushed me to hospital and once I was there it was confirmed I had coronavirus,” he recalled. “My oxygen levels were really low and I was in intensive care. I knew I had to fight this disease, and I practised deep breathing techniques. I knew that I couldn’t let it beat me. It was difficult, but I knew I had to remain positive. I think that is a key factor with this illness.

“Also, hearing from my relatives picked me up and when I received two handmade cards from my grandnieces that picked me up. Their messages touched my heart. I knew I had to get out of the hospital and see them again. There were small things too that I tried to do whilst I was in the hospital. I would set myself goals – every day I made sure I was able to do something that would help me in my recovery.

Anthony thanked our staff for the way he was looked after. “The care I received was brilliant, right from the domestics to the doctors, everyone looked after me well.”

Having now returned home, Anthony is resting until he is fit to return to work. His message to people out there is simple.

“I really would say to people to stay positive. You can fight this disease, and I am an example of that.”