Sidcup grandfather recalls being admitted to hospital for Covid-19 one year ago

An 81-year-old man who was admitted to King’s College Hospital for Covid-19 a year ago says he feels “more like 40” after an incredible recovery.

Jose-Luis Fernandez, a grandfather of five from Sidcup, was admitted to hospital on March 15 where he tested positive for the virus.

He spent 28 days in intensive care after his symptoms worsened, but after an amazing recovery was discharged on April 28.

Mr Fernandez said: “When I was in hospital, I kept telling myself there was no way this virus would beat me. I had to get better for my family and beautiful grandchildren. My gratitude for the staff who looked after me will last forever.”

Mr Fernandez’s recovery has been slow, and he has felt weak for a long time.

He said: “Anyone who has been in intensive care will tell you that it takes its toll. But now I am nearly fully recovered, I run around with my grandchildren, and although I’m 81 I feel more like 40.”

Natasha Raphoz, Jose’s daughter, said that the first days of her father’s recovery were hard.

She said: “We didn’t know if he’d be able to make a full recovery, or how independent he’d be. But he slowly started getting better, and it felt like we could see the light at the end of the tunnel. 

“It’s about a year to the day he started having Covid-19 symptoms, and he’s just getting back to looking like his old self again. I never knew if he’d be able to play with my children again, but he’s proved everyone wrong. We feel so lucky.”

Sarah Dheansa, head of nursing for neurosciences at King’s, was part of the team who cared for Jose. 

She said: “We’ve stayed in touch with Jose, and it’s lifted the team’s hearts to hear how he’s recovering. 

“Watching him with his family and grandchildren reminds us all that there is always hope, despite how sick you become, and that all of our patients are part of something much bigger than we can help restore. 

“He is an inspirational figure for the families who still have a loved one unwell, and reminds us of how despite the odds, so many patients have the ability to pull through.”

Pictured top: Jose-Luis Fernandez with his daughter Natasha