Northumberland woman, 92, thanks 'wonderful' hospital staff after recovering from Covid-19

Betty Brown, from Belford, was diagnosed with coronavirus after going to hospital to have a leg problem checked out.

She was tested for Covid-19 on admission to the Northumbria hospital in Cramlington and stunned when the result came back positive.

A few days later she was transferred to Berwick Infirmary where she spent 10 days before being allowed to go home.

"The nurses, doctors and staff at Berwick Infirmary did a wonderful job,” said Betty.

“I don’t think anyone realises the work they do with such great professionalism, skill and kindness unless you’ve been there as I was.”

Betty’s ordeal began on November 4 when she lost the feeling in her left leg.

"I couldn’t get out of bed one morning,” she recalled. “It felt leg my leg just wouldn’t work and then I just collapsed on the floor when I tried to stand up.

"I went into Cramlington where they tested me for Covid and told me I’d be staying overnight while they did a few other tests to work out what was wrong.

"I went on to a ward but that evening they told me I’d tested positive and I’d have to be isolated.”

She was transferred to Berwick on November 8 and a week later spent her 92nd birthday in isolation.

"I really thought I was going to die,” said Betty. “I felt like I was in a fog for a couple of days.

"But I remember thinking ‘I don’t want it to end like this’ and somehow managed to pull through.

"The nurses were great at keeping my spirits up, especially on my birthday.”

To celebrate winning her battle with the virus, Betty has had a flag made saying ‘I survived Covid-19,’ which now flies outside her house.

She also hopes it will not be too long before she is able to return to St James’ Park to watch her beloved Newcastle United.

“It’s great to be back home,” she said. “I’m able to get around using my zimmer and I’m getting better every day. I’m very lucky.”

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