A MAN who was at death’s door with Covid-19 has told his remarkable story of recovery and thanked the medics who saved his life.

Derek Walsh, a 65-year-old retired painter and decorator from Horton Bank Top, was first admitted to Bradford Royal Infirmary (BRI) in October 2020 with a severe headache and breathing difficulties.

While he was initially cared for on the Covid-19 ward, his condition deteriorated and he was moved to the Intensive Care Unit, where he was put on a ventilator and into an induced coma. In December, Derek developed sepsis and his wife, Sue, was told he may not survive.

However, doctors promised they would do everything they could to save Derek. Thankfully, he did survive and shared his story in a moving piece called ‘Around the Wards in 80 Days: A Covid survivor’s story’.

He spoke of the devastating experience of being on the Covid ward and seeing other people dying.

“I had previously seen these poor souls awake and talking whilst on oxygen, just like me, before their condition deteriorated so that they had to be placed in induced comas and put on ventilators,” he said.

Derek touched on one moment when he asked the doctor if he would survive.
He said: “He told me that he would be totally honest with me. He said that although the staff were doing everything they could to support me, and would continue doing so, he could not guarantee that I wouldn’t die because I was so poorly.

"He said it could go either way. I thanked him for his honesty and once he left, I laid back on my pillow and cried and cried.

“I didn’t want to believe that my life may soon end, particularly not in this way. The next few days were a mixture of emotions ranging from sorrow to denial to acceptance.

"I began to make peace with myself, safe in the knowledge that at 64 years old I had lived a fulfilled and interesting life and that if this was to be my fate then so be it. I was always very tired but at the same time too frightened to close my eyes and go to sleep in case I didn’t wake up again.”

Derek’s condition deteriorated further to the point where his wife was asked to agree to a ‘Do Not Resuscitate’ order.

He said: “Although I would describe much of what was happening to me during these times as a living hell, it must have been far worse for Sue – constantly waiting at home by the phone for daily updates about me, always fearing the worst call of all.”

Despite those dark days, Derek amazingly pulled through. He 80 days in hospital, both at BRI and Airedale, and although his kidney and lungs were damaged by the virus, he is looking to the future.

“I still have symptoms of Long Covid and experience many different feelings and emotions, but I am on the whole very happy and glad to be alive,” said Derek.

“I am sincerely grateful to each and every person who has been involved in all of my care and treatment, whether directly or indirectly, frontline or background support, both past, present and future, because without you all, the outcome of this story could have been very different.

"The unwavering devotion of care and treatment from you all throughout my journey has far exceeded the expected call of duty and I am, and will always be forever, in your debt for all the blood, sweat, tears and care you give to all of your patients, not just myself.

"I hope it will be a morale boost for NHS staff, because I saw first-hand what they put into caring for people and I 100 per cent appreciate it,” he said.

“I also hope it helps other people. If it encourages just one person to get vaccinated against this virus then I will be happy.”

Sue, a retired HR manager, added: “I lived through 80 days and nights of anxiety, worry and stress. When they told me they didn’t think he would make it, I sat on my own at home and prayed. I’m not a religious person, but I prayed. I was the happiest woman on earth when he started to show signs of recovery.”

When the couple received an unexpected tax windfall, they agreed they wanted £1,000 to go to Bradford Hospitals’ Charity, to be split between the ICU and renal department, and £1,000 to Airedale Hospital.

Renal consultant, Dr Mansoor Ali, who cared for Derek while he was in hospital and now in his clinic, said: “This story is truly remarkable and it goes on to tell you that Covid is there, Covid is real, Covid exists and Covid affects people and causes life-changing complications, but thanks to the NHS, its resilient staff and its management, we have been able to provide an excellent treatment to our patients and see them recover from it.”

Hayley Collis, Head of Fundraising for Bradford Hospitals’ Charity, said: “We were blown away by Derek’s extraordinary story of resilience and recovery.

"I know I speak for all my NHS colleagues when I say how delighted we are to hear that he is doing so well now. We always appreciate feedback from our grateful patients, and we can’t thank him enough for his generous donation.

“Our charity enables Bradford Teaching Hospitals to do more for both patients and staff. We fund additional equipment, training, research and projects so staff can provide the very best care and treatment.

"We also provide funding for our Trust to upgrade equipment to the highest specification. We believe the people of Bradford deserve the very best and it is only because of the generosity of grateful patients such as Derek that we can help all our patients and families.”