Liverpool’s Lucy completes a run just one week after recovering from a COVID-19 infection so bad that she needed breathing support.
A 21-year-old Liverpool University student who beat COVID-19 after being given artificial breathing support has shared a video of her running just a week after leaving hospital.
Lucy Patterson recorded her video to thank staff at the Royal Liverpool University Hospital, and to encourage people to seek help if they need it.
Lucy, who is studying Zoology, became unwell during the earlier weeks of lockdown and, as her health worsened, she called her GP who urged her to go to A&E.
Lucy said; “I’ve never been to hospital before so I wasn’t sure what to expect. I didn’t even pack an overnight bag as I didn’t realise how ill I was.”
Once in hospital tests confirmed that Lucy had COVID-19 and to get oxygen into her lungs to help her breathe, it was decided that she needed to be put on to a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine.
Lucy said: “Explaining how I poorly I was to my mum by video call was really hard. I was so upset and scared. This was probably my lowest point as it left me wondering when I would next speak to her again.
“Emily, one of the nurses, cheered me up by surprising me with treats and some new pyjamas that the team had bought for me. I was so overwhelmed by this kind gesture!”
“Everyone was amazing, the care was excellent but it was the little things that meant the most. Their smiles may have been hidden behind facemasks but I could feel them through everything the nurses and doctors did for me. Thanks to everyone for making a scary situation far less scary and getting me back to feeling myself again!”
Samantha Parker, Ward Manager on 3X at the Royal said: “Everyone is delighted to hear how well Lucy is doing now she that she is not just back on her feet but literally back up and running.
“We appreciate just how uncertain and worrying a time it can be for patients with COVID-19. Across the Trust we are all working hard not just on treating and caring for our patients, but also supporting them away from their families and friends.
“Little treats such as pyjamas are a great way to boost a patient and we’re happy that it cheered Lucy up. It was really positive that Lucy was also able to video call her mum during her stay. For those patients who do not have the technology to support this we have introduced virtual visiting with tablets, so that patients are able to speak to their loved ones.
“We would like to wish Lucy all the best for her continued recovery.”
