A 97-year-old woman has become one of the oldest Brits to beat coronavirus after a 14 day fight.
Great-grandmother Joyce Goldstraw, from Leek, Staffordshire, fell ill on March 16 - with her family despairing after she was then diagnosed with COVID-19.
Joyce, who worked as a corporal in the Women’s RAF during the Second World War, received treatment at Macclesfield General Hospital for a fortnight.
Hospital measures to stem the spread of coronavirus meant no access could be granted to friends or family.
Joyce's three children, six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren were left anxiously waiting for updates, reports Stoke-on-Trent Live.
Medics made sure hard-of-hearing Joyce was comfortable and receiving the appropriate care, but family wondered if the virus, or the social distancing measures imposed by the Government, would prevent Joyce from ever returning home.
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However, against all odds the near-centenarian made a miraculous recovery and returned home last week to her flat which she has occupied for more than 30 years, after tests showed Joyce had overcome the virus.
Now Joyce, who also worked in several mills in Leek, is back at home watching re-runs of past sporting events - wondering why there’s no live snooker on TV, and asking relatives if England striker Harry Kane has shaken off his injury problems.
She is one of the oldest woman in the UK to have beaten coronavirus.
Proud son John Goldstraw, who lives in Ipstones, said: “My mum has always been incredibly strong, but to have seen off the coronavirus is unbelievable.
“Mum was a corporal in the Women’s Royal Air Force during the Second World War - something she is incredibly proud of to this day - and perhaps it’s that fighting spirit that has seen her through this latest battle.”
Eldest daughter Julie Poulson said: “It’s brilliant to have mum home, we can’t thank the NHS staff enough.”
Joyce was stationed at Tern Hill RAF airfield, in Shropshire, during the Second World War, working on Lancaster Bombers and Spitfire aircraft.
In later life she was a well-known face in many sports teams across the Staffordshire Moorlands, winning accolades in darts and crown green bowls teams from the 1960s until the 1990s.
With the country in lockdown as the government asks people to stay at home where possible, Joyce is now urging people to heed that message so that normality can be restored in time for her granddaughter Alice to be married in the autumn.
Alice, who is 26 and lives in Berkshire, will be married at Weston Hall, near Stafford, in October.
She said: “We are all so proud of Nana, she is an inspiration. It’s remarkable that a lady of her age has overcome the virus - and credit must go to the NHS staff who are putting themselves at risk to provide the care that people need.
“We’re desperate to have her at our wedding, so please do as Nana says and listen to the latest advice.”
