A Covid-19 survivor who was induced into a near two week coma is undertaking a 35 mile cycle challenge with his dad to raise funds for the hospital which saved his life.

Andrew Unwin, from Dartford, contracted coronavirus at the height of the pandemic in April.

But despite being only 26-years-old he ended up fighting for his life.

Two days into the infection Andrew was blue lighted to Darent Valley Hospital after complaining of a tight chest and difficulty breathing.

Andrew went for a CT scan on his chest which revealed he had suffered a punctured lung and he was placed under local anaesthetic for treatment and given a ventilator to support his breathing.

"From there I just deteriorated. I just went down hill so rapidly," he said.

His own rapid decline came as a shock to the Met police detention officer who, although asthmatic, regularly swam and played sport before contracting the disease.

Despite the hospital's medical interventions Andrew's condition continued to worsen and he was transferred to an ITU ward.

But it was only when the doctor spoke directly to him that he realised just how bad things had got.

Andrew said: "About 11pm that night a doctor and a nurse came to see me. The ICU doctor said we are taking the decision to put you in a coma.

"My world just came to a shuddering halt," he added.

"That was by far the scariest moment having to ring my wife... I didn't know if I'd wake up".

Doctors attempted to put Andrew's mind at ease by telling him it would be like being put into a deep sleep and it was to give his body the chance to rest.

"That was by far the scariest moment having to ring my wife... I didn't know if I'd wake up..."

It was revealed he had suffered two punctured lungs and Andrew spent 10 days in an induced coma.

Wife Emma and his family "were told to prepare for the worst" but he refused to give up the fight and remarkably started to recover.

"I just remember the anesthetist saying take deep breaths," he said. "Two weeks later I woke up."

Shortly after coming out of his coma the 26-year-old was soon walking with the assistance of a zimmer frame and each day set himself a challenge to go a little further.

On the third day of his recovery and physio Andrew defied the odds by walking unaided.

Throughout the ordeal he says the vision of being home once again with his family kept him going, adding "I just wanted to get home and have a cuddle with my wife."

Then one day and more than two weeks after he had first been admitted, the doctor and nurse came to pay Andrew a visit at his bedside again, except this time it was to share positive news.

He added: "I had the doctor and nurse say we want you to give your family a call and I said why.

"They said, because you are going home to see your family."

Despite his reversal in fortune Andrew, who is back working for the Met on reduced hours, is aware his recovery from the deadly disease did not end the moment he stepped outside the hospital doors.

He has taken up cycling as he aims to get himself fit and healthy as the nation braces for a second wave.

And for added motivation he will be taking part in a charity ride with his dad Derek this Saturday to raise funds for the ITU ward he credits with saving his life.

The pair will set off from the hospital in Dartford on a 35 mile round trip to the 02 in Greenwich, and back.

They hope to be able to complete the feat in under four hours.

Andrew's wife Emma said: "We cannot thank you all at Darent Valley enough for what you have done. Especially the staff in Laurel Ward and ICU."

To donate to Andrew and Derek's charity cycle fundraiser for the Valley Hospital charity click here .

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