Poulton granddad home at last after traumatic 20 months away

Now Peter Sharples, 78, is safely back in his Elm Avenue home at last after his taxing year-and-a-bit-long experience - much to the delight of his family and friends.

He said: "It has been a very stressful journey, but in between there has been laughter and fun with all sorts of people. You try to make the most of it.”

Granddad-of-two Peter, a retired carer, was admitted to Preston Royal Hospital to have surgery to remove a tumour from his spinal cord in May 2019.

Peter was left in need of a wheelchair, and he spent seven months in rehab in hospital. In December he was transferred to Thornton House care home on Wimbrel Drive, Thornton, where he expected to remain only until his home was adapted to suit his new needs.

But his luck took a turn for the worse when Covid-19 hit and the country went into lockdown in March.

He had to be isolated in his room for two weeks due to an outbreak at the care home.

Shortly afterwards, he tested positive for the virus himself - though he only experienced mild symptoms

“Lockdown was difficult - for everyone. Lots of people missed their families. It was quite dismal at times. I tested positive and spent two weeks alone in my room, and the room wasn’t terribly big. Just big enough to turn my wheelchair around in,” he said. “Now I feel fantastic. Coming home is what I have been waiting and hoping for.”

Peter was given a warm welcome by his neighbours when he returned to Poulton yesterday.

His son Simon, 50, said: “The hardest part has been being away from his home and his family. He missed his home and his home comforts.

“When he arrived in the taxi, everybody was in the street waiting for him and he had one big smile on his face. He looks like a changed man now.”