A CORONAVIRUS survivor has paid tribute to the ‘amazing’ Barnsley Hospital staff who saved his life.

Jake Micklethwaite, of Dukes Crescent, Barnsley, tested positive for the disease after having a sore throat and difficulties breathing.

After self-isolating in bed for four days, Jake called an ambulance and was taken to hospital after his breathing became progressively worse.

“I didn’t think anything of it at first because I had a bit of a sore throat and my cough was not persistent,” the 27-year-old said.

“I’ve got diabetes so I was already quite vulnerable, and my blood sugars went up to a dangerous extent to the point where it started to shut things down.

“I was struggling to breathe, it felt like someone was sat on my chest and I couldn’t catch my breath – that’s when I called an ambulance.”

Paramedics were concerned about Jake’s symptoms so he was immediately rushed to a respiration unit.

“I went to the high dependency unit straight away where I tested positive for coronavirus.

“I was incredibly worried about what was going to happen, you hear about so many who have gone through the virus.

“At first it was quite overwhelming because people were constantly coming in to check me and monitor levels.

“But luckily, the staff talked me through every step of the way and explained the treatment.”

Jake stayed at Barnsley Hospital for about a week, where he was placed into isolation to prevent any further spread.

“I was then moved to ward 35 where I was placed in a room alone because I tested positive.

“The worst part was that I couldn’t have visitors so it was a case of sitting on my own trying to entertain myself – that was the hardest part.

“But the staff continued to put their lives at risk. They even came into my room for a chat, which made me feel less lonely.

“I felt like a patient rather than a coronavirus sufferer which was absolutely amazing.”

Jake now wants to thank for NHS workers for going ‘above and beyond’ in order to save his life.

“When you’re there and you see first-hand what the workers have to put up with, the stresses and pressure they’re under, you have a whole new appreciation for them.

“I’m getting better each and every day and that’s because of the workers at Barnsley Hospital, I’m currently still self-isolating at home.

“They saved my life, and I’ll never be able to thank them enough.

“I wanted to share my story with people to highlight how amazing Barnsley Hospital staff are and I’ll continue to clap loud and proud for the NHS.”