A brave 86-year-old grandmother received an emotional guard of honour on Monday after she beat Covid-19.
Barbara Holmes was discharged from St Columcille’s Hospital in Loughlinstown, Dublin, after a six-week battle.
And her grandson Ruaidhri O’Hanlon told how her special story will inspire others.
There were raucous cheers and applause reverberated around the exit as the spirited pensioner emerged to a hero’s welcome.
A relieved O’Hanlon said: “We think someone surviving coronavirus at 86 is very special.
“So the guard of honour was well-deserved. She looked well and she seemed in good form.
“It just shows people that there is hope at the end of it and that it’s not all going to end badly. There are people out there who obviously don’t have the best outcome.
“But today shows that there is hope and families in the same situation do have something to hold on to.”
Healthcare staff who had cared for the pensioner also showed their appreciation and clapped as Barbara left the medical facility.
The retiree smiled warmly as she left the and saw her close family members standing outside, while her grandchildren recorded the magical moment.
Meanwhile, another of Mrs Holmes’ excited grandkids, Jessie Cawley, watched Barbara walk out of the hospital over WhatsApp from Australia.
She revealed to the Irish Mirror how she had been determined not to miss the momentous occasion. Jessie said: “Oh, it was brilliant. It was a great sigh of relief. It was so nice to see her out and nice to see her surrounded by her family.
“There was a big celebration when she left.”
Barbara returned to Beechfield Manor Nursing Home in Shankill where she lives after the joyous scenes last night.
She will continue her recovery at the care home.
