This was the heartwarming moment a dad-of-four was wheeled out of Aintree Hospital on his 59th birthday having fought off coronavirus.
Tony McDermott decided to go into hospital after struggling with his breathing which, at times, left him fearing for his life.
The bricklayer started to feel ill eight days ago, on the day he became a granddad again, when he was introduced to the family's new addition through a window as he stood proudly outside.
But later at home in Bootle, he told his partner Janette he didn't feel well, prompting them to ring 111 and speak to medics who advised he start a course of antibiotics.
It was a Sunday, however, so nearly all pharmacies were closed, before eventually Mr McDermott picked up a prescription from a chemist in Woolton, driving from Sefton to south Liverpool.
His condition failed to improve, with his breathing becoming increasingly laboured, so at 10pm, the same day, he was admitted to Aintree Hospital.
Medics explained Mr McDermott had contracted Covid-19, probably about five weeks earlier, but it had led to a clot on his lungs.
It had had the potential to be fatal, they added.
Over the next two days, he noticed his condition improving, and he was able to take short walks up and down the ward as he recovered.
On Tuesday, Mr McDermott was discharged from Aintree Hospital, wearing a mask, as he was pushed from Ward 22 to his waiting family, as nurses lined the corridor and clapped to mark his successful struggle.
Applauding NHS workers himself, and giving high-fives to hospital staff while being taken outside, he was all smiles and paid them a simple 'thank you' before being reunited with his girlfriend Janette.
The 59-year-old today told the ECHO: "Leaving hospital was the best feeling in the world, it was the best birthday present I could ever have.
"I went from that, to a couple of nights before, thinking I'm going to die.
"At one stage, I thought I wasn't coming out, and taking my last breath.
"It was frightening.
"But the staff were brilliant, when you need them, they are there for you.
"I can't praise them enough, those nurses are heroes.
"I want to go back and thank them when that's possible."
The self-employed brickie is taking medication which has led to him coughing a little blood, but his health is improving steadily.
Since being discharged six days ago, Mr McDermott has been going for walks and described himself as "made up with myself."
Janette Cannell, his partner, added: "It's been a traumatic time.
"I've never seen him frightened in all his life, it was horrible seeing Tony like that, and not knowing.
"I had to leave him at the hospital door and wondered if I'd see him again.
"I'm so thankful I've got him.
"We can't thank the nurses enough."
