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A patient who survived Covid-19 has recorded a song on his first day out of bed to thank hospital staff who saved his life.
Gifted guitarist, Michael McGonigle spent three weeks at Darent Valley Hospital in Dartford where he was treated for the deadly illness.
The 63-year-old, who suffers with asthma, was admitted to the Chestnut ward just one week after taking his wife who works as a teacher to A&E with severe stomach cramps.
He said his daughter Marie also experienced mild symptoms and believes the whole family may have been affected by the disease.
Mr McGonigle, who lives in Erith, said: "I had been ill for a week when I developed breathing problems.
"I had a really bad cough and was coughing up all sorts of things."
The former engineer was originally sent home but when his health deteriorated he was rushed back to hospital in an ambulance.
A test for Covid-19 later came back as positive and his family began to fear the worst.
"I had all sorts of injections but nothing directly for the virus they just try and deal with the symptoms," Michael added.
“Once you are in hospital, you don’t know if you are coming out. People are dying in the ward.
"I think I thought I would get out but my family was very worried."
Mr McGonigle expressed his gratitude towards the NHS staff working at his bedside on the Chestnut ward.
The musician said he was thoroughly impressed at how hard working they all were.
He reserved praise for one nurse he believed was named Rachel, who he said was so "cheerful" despite the "impossible situation" she found herself in.
With their help Mr McGonigle was able to make a full recovery and returned home.
In a cruel twist of irony, he arrived home to a letter in the post warning him he was "at risk" and should stay home to avoid catching the virus.
So on his first day out of bed, he decided to go into his garden and record a special thank you to the NHS staff who saved his life.
Music has always been a passion for the family, and Michael often accompanies his twin children David and Marie who front the five piece family band The McGonigle – which even has a paramedic on drums.
The film, which was shot by his son in law while the family self-isolates together, has been shared on their YouTube channel.
He wished to dedicate it to those still battling Covid-19 on the Chestnut ward to show his carers he was thinking of them.
To donate to the McGonigle family fundraiser for Darent Valley Hospital click here.
For the latest coronavirus news and advice, click here.
