A couple who have been married for more than 60 years have emerged from hospital after beating coronavirus together.
Gillian England, 88, and her 91-year-old husband Michael spent three weeks in hospital and finally walked out of Leicester Royal Infirmary on Friday.
The inspirational pair are now continuing their recovery at their home.
Over the previous weeks, staff watched in admiration as the couple supported each other through their struggle with the illness.
Mr and Mrs England and their family thanked the NHS staff for their care, compassion and hard work throughout their stay in hopsital.
Laura Lomas, sister on ward 36, said Mr England would get himself up and dressed each morning before the therapist teams arrived, so that when he needed to exercise he could ask to walk to see his wife.
At the same time, Mrs England would ask how her husband was and when he arrived at her bedside they would sit and hold hands over a cup of tea.
Staff also ensured the couple could eat their meals together.
Speaking after they were allowed go home on Friday, Mr England said: “I want to get better so I can look after my wife – first and foremost, I want to be there for Gillian.
“While I’ve been in hospital I’ve not really missed anything because Gillian is here and I have been able to see her every day.
“I am so grateful to all the staff who tried very hard to make sure we have been looked after on the same ward.
“Being discharged together, on the same day is even more special as we have been on our recovery journey together.
“The medical care is outstanding and I can’t describe the kindness of the nursing staff who made our stay in hospital so comfortable.
“They have shown such compassion to myself and Gillian in so many ways and we have felt that kindness.
“Kindness goes such a long way.”
Mr and Mrs England live in the city and have three sons, one of whom came had gifts for staff members when he arrived to collect his parents.
