A DAD-OF-TWO who thought he would never see his family again after becoming critically ill with Covid-19 has had an emotional reunion with his loved ones.

Christopher Williams, from Burtonwood, developed symptoms of the virus and became ill for two weeks before things took a turn for the worse.

He was rushed to the emergency department at Whiston Hospital struggling to breathe and did not wake up for two weeks.

Christopher, aged 54 said: “I came to the hospital as a gasping wreck, I was terrified but the staff here immediately took charge.

"The next thing I knew I was waking up in the Intensive Care Unit two weeks later.”

Warrington Guardian:

After developing pneumonia, Christopher was ventilated to help him breathe and put into an induced coma to help his body fight the virus.

He was brought out of the coma two weeks later but stayed on the unit for four weeks in total.

Christopher added: “I couldn’t understand where I was, but the constant reassurance of the wonderful staff and the thoughts of my wife and family have got me through.

"My overriding memory will be their eyes, they all had beautiful eyes.

"I might not have been able to see their smiles underneath the masks, but their eyes showed me that they are all wonderful people.”

Christopher was then transferred to Covid-19 ward 2B to continue this recuperation.

With no permanent damage from the virus, Christopher has been reunited with his family for the first time as they arrived to take him home.

Warrington Guardian:

His wife Karen said: “We’ve not been able to see him for six weeks due to the visiting restrictions to protect everyone, but to see him now and to see the staff who have cared for him so well is just overwhelming. I can’t thank everyone at the hospital enough.

"They have kept us informed every step of the way and although you dread the phone ringing in case the worst has happened, thankfully for us they were able to give us positive news.”

Christopher added: “I’ve never had a sick day in my life, never been in hospital, so for this to happen to me is just mind-blowing.

"The care I have received has been fantastic, I can’t praise them enough.

"I wouldn’t have survived this without all of the hardworking staff, from the consultants to the cleaners I can’t fault them.”

Christopher will now return home to his son Joseph and daughter Rachel, and is determined to make the most of every second.

He said: “The next step is to go home, rest and eventually have a party when all this is over.

"I’m just going to enjoy my family and get back on my feet as soon as possible.

“I can now go on to enjoy the rest of my life and that is all down to the people here. I didn’t think I would see this day.”