A grandfather-of-14 has miraculously beat coronavirus after a four-week battle in hospital despite having only one lung.
75-year-old Williams Burns, a two-times cancer survivor, received a standing ovation from hospital staff and other patients when he was discharged from Crosshouse Hospital.
Doctors initially feared he would be overcome by the effects of COVID-19 when he was admitted with breathing difficulties but the strong grandpa managed to recover.
Mr. Burns had a cancerous lung removed in 2007 and he previously battled prostate cancer. Breathing for him is harder than the average person, making his recovery from the deadly virus more amazing.
Because of strict social distancing rules, Mr. Burns endured his coronavirus battle alone. His wife of more than five decades, Ruby Ivy, and their 5 sons and 14 grandchildren were not allowed to have any physical contact with him.
“It’s a miracle I managed to get through this. But I have a really positive outlook and I believe in the power of the brain. There was never a moment when I thought I wasn’t going to make it,” Mr. Burns said.
“I’ve had viruses before but this one was very bad. I’m used to getting infections as my throat has been scarred by treatments but my breathing was getting worse.”
He continued: “The doctors sent me to hospital with no hesitation after asking a few questions. All the staff at the hospital were superb and I can’t thank them enough for what they did for me while I was there.
“To get a standing ovation when I left was really nice. Everyone applauding as I came out the ward. ‘It’s lovely to be out. I’ve missed fresh air, without a doubt, and it feels great to be home and back in my own bed.’
“It’s also been six weeks since I’ve had a haircut and my hair grows very quickly!”
Ruby Ivy is so happy the love of her life has finally returned home.
“I’ve handled it in my stride, you’ve just got to. I’ve been supported by our five sons; if I needed anything they left it on the doorstep for me,” she tearfully said.
“William is a fighter, he never lets anything get on top of him. We’ll need to tie him to the chair because he loves to work – he’ll be out in that garden as soon as my back’s turned.’
“I’m going to make sure he’s well fed. Tonight I’ll be making him a good old Scottish dish – mince and tatties.”
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Replaced!