The family of one of London’s oldest coronavirus survivors today described her remarkable battle back to recovery as “a ray of hope”.
Maritsa Tsioupra, 93, spent several weeks in intensive care after being diagnosed with Covid-19 when she was admitted to Barnet hospital following a fall on March 21. Her condition deteriorated swiftly, with doctors fearing she had little chance of survival.
Her daughter Soulla, 52, told the Standard: “We thought we would never see her again. The doctors gave her little chance and we weren’t allowed to see her. We thought that was it.”
She said that her mother had worked hard throughout her life supporting the family, working long hours in clothing and restaurant businesses.
Ms Tsioupra added: “She is a tough character and that would have helped her. After thinking we would never see her again she sat up and started eating, we couldn’t believe it. We are so lucky.
“My heart goes out to all those who have lost loved ones. We would like to thank the health service.”
Mrs Tsioupra, originally from Cyprus, has three children, five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
She cannot travel to see her elderly brother in her home country but is preparing to go online to tell him the story of her survival.
“It’s a ray of hope and proves it doesn’t have to be a death sentence,” said her daughter.
