Family’s tribute to NHS as 79-year-old grandad-of-six recovers from coronavirus

Charles Ian Leonard, of Cleadon Hill Drive, South Shields, was admitted to South Tyneside hospital on Saturday, March 21, where he tested positive coronavirus.

The grandad-of six, who has a number of existing medical conditions, including diabetes, spent almost five weeks in isolation on a critical care ward.

But despite doctors warning his family to prepare for the worst, he has beaten the virus and is now ready to be discharged.

Charles’ loved ones have expressed their heartfelt thanks to the doctors and nurses who took care of him at the hospital - who they say “without a doubt” saved his life.

“We expected the worst,” admitted his son, Paul Leonard.

“Doctors basically said they didn't think he would survive this, he was in a really bad state. Luckily dad can’t remember much of it because he was pretty badly affected.

“We can’t believe almost 5 weeks later he is medically fit for discharge.

“The amazing job of the doctors and nurses on Ward 6 without doubt saved his life – dad said so himself.”

Paul, 47, said nurses on the ward kept a diary for Charles and the family and made sure they could communicate with each other despite him being in isolation.

“They have just been amazing, giving us daily updates of what’s been going on with his treatment and making sure he wants for nothing,” he continued.

“They pushed him on and made sure we could communicate with him even in isolation – sometimes they were even using their personal mobile phones to make sure we could talk to him and help to keep him strong to keep on fighting.”

He added: “My mum has been beside herself worrying about him and they have been so good with her, calling and giving her regular updates.”

Charles is now being transferred to Haven Court, where he will spend the next few weeks in rehab, recuperating fully.

He has said he is looking forward to sitting in the garden and “feeling the sun on his face”.

“Dad is feeling very emotional about it all, he’s had a real brush with death,” said Paul.

“He has realised how sick he was and is so grateful to the doctors and nurses – especially Louise, Annabel, Kayleigh and Joanne, who he developed a really good relationship with.”

As of Thursday, April 23 there were 425 confirmed cases of coronavirus in South Tyneside.

The hospital’s NHS trust has recorded 214 deaths.

Paul added: “The nurses told me that what happened with dad is exactly the reason they do what they do. It’s heartbreaking stuff to see what they go through every day, I don’t know how they do it.

“They are truly inspirational and we can’t ever find a way to thank them enough – they are our frontline heroes.”

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