Redcar gran survives coronavirus – and her family have said thank you by volunteering for NHS

Eileen Connor, from Redcar, spent 13 days being treated for the virus before being discharged just in time for her 80th birthday.

The mum-of-ten was treated at James Cook University Hospital and now her daughter Lorna Goodchild, son-in-law Ian, who usually works in off-shore, and grand daughter Grace have all signed up to volunteer.

Lorna, a physiotherapist and former employee at South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: “The whole family were so grateful for every little thing that was done for my mum while she was in hospital; the care was second to none.

“We felt really reassured to know that she was in safe hands and receiving the best possible care.

“Once mum was discharged we really wanted to give something back to those who had helped her and rather than just say thank you we decided to show our gratitude by volunteering.”

The trio now spend four days a week transporting samples from wards to the labs as well as supporting patients and staff.

Grace, 24, a final year mechanical engineering student at Northumbria University, said: “I’m really enjoying volunteering as a runner. It’s nice to speak to people outside of our household and offer support to those at the hospital.

“I’d like to say a massive thank you to all the NHS workers at James Cook Hospital not just on behalf of my nan but on behalf of everyone else they’ve helped.”

During the pandemic, 157 volunteers have signed up through the trust’s therapeutic support programme and have been providing valuable support to patients and staff across the trust’s sites as well as promoting positive engagement and contributing to a positive hospital experience.

Link to original post: https://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/local/teesside/18455671.redcar-gran-survives-coronavirus—family-said-thank-volunteering-nhs/