Guard Of Honour For Harborough Man Who Battled Coronavirus

A Market Harborough man who fought for his life after contracting Coronavirus has been given a guard on honour by hospital staff, as he was allowed to return home.

Hylton Murray-Philipson was admitted to Leicester Royal Infirmary with confirmed COVID-19 after suffering nine days of dry cough and fever.

Despite initial support with oxygen, he  deteriorated and was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit, where he spent seven days. During his admission he was treated for severe breathing difficulties requiring ventilator support.

The father of two says he was fighting for his life, during which there were moments of great distress and panic.

After starting to get better, he was moved to a ward, where he marked his 61^st birthday, with hospital staff gathering around his bed with a cake.

Hylton leaves hospital
Pic: Leicester Hospitals

Hylton, who is now recovering at home, says the reason he is still alive is down to the doctors and nurses who cared for him, adding the great kindness and compassion was incredible.

He said: “There is no limit to my gratitude both for the ICU and the nursing team throughout the hospital. They are truly amazing and I feel so lucky to have been under their care.”

Andrew Furlong, medical director at Leicester’s hospitals, said: “We are discharging patients on a daily basis who have recovered from COVID-19. Our staff are providing amazing care and it’s a joy when we’re able to see patients well enough to leave our hospitals.

“The most important things that the public can do to protect themselves and support our team here at Leicester’s Hospitals is to follow the government’s social distancing guidance and regularly wash their hands with soap and water.”