Don't underestimate Covid danger, warns Fylde coast man after health battle

Dave Smith says he was one of the "doubters" who thought the virus was not as serious as some were claiming.

But he changed his mind after he found himself hooked up to an oxygen mask struggling for breath and then witnessed the heartbreaking toll of the illness as fellow patients around slipped away.

Dave, 53, has praised the tireless "heroes" who work in the high dependency wards at Blackpool Victoria hospital and has thanked all those who sent him messages of encouragement when he was at his weakest.

Blackpool resident Dave, who is originally from Fleetwood where his family once ran the King's Arms pub, said: "It was a real eye-opener and it has changed me, in more than one way.

"I would just tell people, please, have no illusions, folks, Covid is a merciless killer., don't take this thing lightly.

" I’ve heard the calls home to families, saying "sorry we can do no more for your loved one" and I have watched lives ebb away.

"I've cried and prayed for the poor souls who are alone in their last hours.

"I saw people I had become friendly with die around me, one by one.

"And I'm just in awe of the unsung heroes in the intensive care and high dependency wards work tirelessly none stop to save our loved ones.

"I honestly don't know how they do the job they do, they just never stop, and then they go home to their families after a day like that.

"I've seen nurses collapse in tears, absolutely in bits when one of their patients has died, and then pick themselves up and just get on with the job.

"So I would say please help them get ahead by testing yourselves and follow the isolation rules."

He first became ill in November and and was taken to hospital when he started to have serious breathing problems.

His condition worsened and he knew he was in trouble.

Dave, who is known in Fleetwood for co-running the Men's Shed group, which offers support for men suffering from loneliness and depression, said: "I'm not the fittest person, I used to be a smoker, but I wasn't in too bad a shape.

"But in hospital there were times when I didn't think I was going to make make it.

"At one point there was a woman who sat by my bed when I was trying to take this high-pressure C-pap oxygen mask off.

"She just sat there and calmed me down and made sure this thing stayed on.

"I've no idea who she was or where she came from but that lady saved my life. I think she was called Antionette and would love to have a chance to thank her properly.

" I cannot thank people enough for all the beautiful words and daily well wishing messages of encouragement to get better,

" I’m so humbled by the love shown towards me in my darkest hours, they will stay with me for the rest of my days ."

Dave left hospital after two weeks but says the illness is still affecting him and he hasn't fully recovered.

He said: "I've got what they call "long Covid", it's affected my breathing and it's even messed with my memory.

"But I'm just thankful to still be here."