A 49-year-old carer who has spent more than 150 days in hospital battling a severe case of Covid has finally been discharged from intensive care.

Alan Finch, from Ramsgate, was first admitted to the QEQM Hospital in January and has faced a string of serious hurdles in his road to recovery.

He spent two months in a coma and fought through both sepsis and pneumonia as he was brought back from the brink by doctors and nurses.

His family say they had to say their goodbyes to Alan twice as they prepared for the worst, yet he defeated the odds and made it through.

Now, after his lengthy spell in intensive care, he has been transferred to the Kent and Canterbury for rehabilitation.

Alan’s partner Claire Wickham said: “The hospital and the whole NHS has been amazing.

“Twice we had to say our goodbyes but twice they got him back.

'He is so positive about his future...'

“The difference in him now is fantastic. From being in a coma and so poorly, then being unable to speak or move, he can now talk to us and we almost have the old Alan back.

“He still has a long way to go, and he needs to work on his lungs and his mobility, but it’s fantastic to see the progress he has made and he is so positive about his future.”

Alan, who celebrated his 49th birthday in hospital, was first admitted six months ago after both he and Claire fell ill with Covid.

While Claire recovered quickly, Alan’s condition suddenly deteriorated and, just one day after being taken to hospital, he was moved to intensive care and put in an induced coma.

When he came round, two months later, staff had to wean him off the ventilator and teach him how to speak, swallow and move.

“The past six months have been so hard but I think you just go onto autopilot to survive.

“My mum and dad have been brilliant, as have our friends, and everyone has been willing Alan to get better.

Alan is expected to spend several weeks undergoing intensive rehabilitation before he is able to go home.

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