Sunderland mum learning how to walk again after 74 days in hospital battling Covid-19

On February 12, Lesley Scott was taken to Sunderland Royal Hospital with shortness of breath a week after first falling ill.

It was here the mum-of-two tested positive for Covid-19 and was placed on a ventilator in intensive care where she spent 36 days fighting for her life.

After being unconscious for over a month, Lesley was brought off the ventilator and onto a ward where she woke to find herself unable to walk, talk or move parts of her body.

Lesley, of Pennywell, has had to learn to talk again and still faces a long road to recovery ahead of her.

But on Thursday, April 29, an emotional video captured the moment medical staff lined the hospital wards and cheered as Lesley was discharged 74 days after she was brought to hospital in an ambulance.

Now she has shared her story as she urges the public to be aware of the seriousness of the virus as lockdown restrictions continue to ease.

Speaking to the Echo from her home, Lesley said: “When I came out of intensive care I couldn’t move parts of my body, I couldn’t walk or talk – I’ve had to learn how to talk again.

"I was on dialysis while I was on the ward for my kidneys which thankfully have been put right now.

"I still can’t walk, my left arm is numb. My muscles have stopped working and I have got to retrain them.

"I asked last week if I could come home because I’d just had enough. I have a hospital bed at home and a wheelchair until I can learn to walk.

"I’ve just got to take each day as it comes.

"The hospital teams from the ward and intensive care have been absolutely amazing. I genuinely can’t thank them enough.

"I was getting quite down in hospital and I feel a lot happier that I’m home.”

Her husband Kevin Scott has spoken of the ‘worst time of his life’ and the constant worry and fear while Lesley was in hospital.

The 53-year-old said: "People would ask me how she was and I was finding it hard to get the words out – I still feel a bit like that today.

"She’s got her files from everything that happened while she was in hospital, it’s something I don’t want to read.

"It’s hard to explain. I actually thought she’s not coming home.

"I’m not a religious person but I’ve lost count of how many prayers I have said. It’s the worse experience I’ve ever been through.”

The couple, who have been together for 23 years and married for 11, are encouraging others to be aware of the severity Covid can cause as Lesley continues her recovery from home.

"Everyone needs to take this seriously. I don’t think people realise how serious Covid can be. I never realised I could get the symptoms I have – not being able to walk not being able to use my arm,” said Lesley.

"I think people still need to be aware and still wear masks.

“I didn’t realise it could do this to somebody, it’s just changed my life.”

Support your Echo and become a subscriber today. Enjoy unlimited access to local news, the latest on SAFC and new puzzles every day. With a digital subscription, you can see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Click here to subscribe.