Family's thanks to amazing NHS staff as Sunderland 'fighter' Marion Jolliff beats coronavirus

Marion Jolliff, 62, had been in a coma at South Tyneside District Hospital since early March after being diagnosed with COVID-19 – the first confirmed case in Sunderland.

Now her family have received the wonderful news that the Pennywell mum has beaten coronavirus and no longer tests positive for COVID-19.

Her niece Christine Brewer has now thanked the ‘amazing staff’ who cared for Marion during such a difficult time.

The 53-year-old said: “We are so close, we still are. I’ve always treated her as a big sister.

“We are all just really really close, we’re one big massive family – we’ve all got to support each other.

“Marion’s a fighter, she’s fought it and she will keep on fighting to get back on her feet.

“When I found out i just sat and cried, I had my big sister back. I knew deep in my mind that she would.

“I can’t wait until we can see and talk to her.”

After an almost three week battle, Marion is now out of the induced coma – although she is still sedated.

Although still relying on a ventilator, the mum has now been fitted with a tracheostomy tube in her throat to aid her breathing independently.

Marion is now facing a long road back to health having overcome the illness and her family will be with her every step of the way.

Christine, who lives in Millfield, added: “I know a lot of people say thank you, we have got the words to thank them enough.

“It’s the greatest thing we could have wished for. It’s better than winning the lottery.

“I’ve sent her a text everyday so when she wakes up she’ll want to strangle me there’s so many messages.

“Honestly words aren’t enough to thank the staff, every single one of them. Well done to Marion too, I’m over the moon that she’s on the road to recovery.”