A great-grandmother of 15 has returned home from hospital after being treated for coronavirus for nearly two months.
The family of 80-year-old Margaret Ball feared the worst when they were told the mum-of-three had contracted the virus, given that elderly people have been amongst those worst affected.
Margaret, who lives in sheltered accommodation in Llwynhendy, said her early symptoms were so bad that an ambulance had to be called.
She said it started with a tightness in her chest, shortness of breath and a cough, but her illness soon became worse.
"They had to send for an ambulance in the end because I was really not very well at all. I don't know where I got it from, I may never know," she said.
"I didn't know what to expect when I was in the hospital. I felt terrible and it wasn't a nice experience at all."
She was admitted to Prince Philip hospital on April 14 and tested positive for Covid-19.
"I don't remember all of it, my temperature was high and I was short of breath all of the time. But you are in a world of your own, I wasn't sure which ward I was on all of the time," added Margaret, who is known by her family as 'Mam Mags.'
Like many other Covid patients, the 80-year-old, who was born in Llanelli and has lived here throughout her life, then suffered from pneumonia.
"That was the worst bit. I was really not very well at all but they really looked after me at Prince Philip. I've got nothing but praise for them. I beat it and I am one of the lucky ones."
She said that throughout her hospital stay the thought of her 15 great grandchildren, eight grandchildren and three children kept her fighting.
"It's really sad not being able to see them but the thought of giving them a hug again kept me going."
After nearly two months in hospital, Margaret was told that she had tested negative for the virus and was able to go home.
"They said the words 'you are clear,' well they actually shouted it and I couldn't quite believe it, I couldn't believe I came over it because it's so sad how many older people have died and I beat it."
Throughout her stay at the hospital, Margaret said the care she received from staff was amazing.
"They clapped me out of ward one, it was wonderful, it was beautiful. I have nothing but praise for the staff at Prince Philip. The doctors, nurses, cleaners, I can't fault any of them there."
Margaret was able to return to her home in Llwynhendy on Monday, June 8, and in perfect British fashion said the first thing she wanted to do when she got home was make a cup of tea.
"My breath is still very short but I'm doing good," said Margaret.
"I beat it, I came over it, I'm not brave, I'm just one of the lucky ones, so many other people weren't as lucky."
Now the 80-year-old is just waiting for the day that she'll be able to celebrate with the entire family.
"It's been difficult not seeing them all, especially now I'm better I just want to give them a hug. We've got a big family - I've got 15 great grandchildren, although I hope they've stopped now because I can't afford Christmas anymore," laughed Margaret.
