Harrogate mayoress's emotional applause for NHS staff who saved her life from coronavirus

The mayoress of Harrogate held back tears as she led an emotional applause in honour of the NHS workers who saved her life after she was left battling the coronavirus in intensive care.
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April Martin was last night joined by her husband, mayor Stuart Martin, and scores of staff outside Harrogate District Hospital where she was taken in critically ill.

But the 63-year-old recovered from the life-threatening bout of the illness and described her treatment as "magnificent."

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Speaking after last night's applause, April said: "It was so emotional and hard for me to hold it together. But I am so grateful to have the opportunity to thank the hospital staff in person - without them I wouldn't be here."

The mayoress and mayor of Harrogate, April and Stuart Martin. Photo: Gerard Binks.The mayoress and mayor of Harrogate, April and Stuart Martin. Photo: Gerard Binks.
The mayoress and mayor of Harrogate, April and Stuart Martin. Photo: Gerard Binks.

April, who worked as a district nurse, first started showing symptoms in March and the couple then self-isolated for two weeks.

On day 16, her health started to rapidly deteriorate and she was rushed into intensive care.

Looking back at her time in hospital, she said: "I don't remember a lot from being in A&E or the ITU, but on the ward the staff were absolutely magnificent.

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"The care and compassion that they showed from behind their masks and gowns was wonderful. I can't thank them enough.

April spent two weeks at Harrogate District Hospital with the virus. Photo: Gerard Binks.April spent two weeks at Harrogate District Hospital with the virus. Photo: Gerard Binks.
April spent two weeks at Harrogate District Hospital with the virus. Photo: Gerard Binks.

"All the doctors and nurses were so caring, but so were all the ancillary staff, the porters and the domestics who I was able to have banter and a laugh with.

"When you are in hospital and not allowed to see your family, that is so, so important."

April has also urged people to continue to listen to scientific advice that has been given and thanked people who have supported the family.

April Martin was last night joined by her husband, mayor Stuart Martin, and scores of staff outside Harrogate District Hospital. Photo: Gerard Binks.April Martin was last night joined by her husband, mayor Stuart Martin, and scores of staff outside Harrogate District Hospital. Photo: Gerard Binks.
April Martin was last night joined by her husband, mayor Stuart Martin, and scores of staff outside Harrogate District Hospital. Photo: Gerard Binks.
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"People always think it will never happen to them," she said. "I had no underlying health conditions and I was still really ill with the virus."

"Without the care and support that we received I wouldn't be here, and I would urge everyone to still be very careful and do what is right for their family."

Coun Stuart Martin added: "Last night was a very emotional moment for us, but at the same time it was very rewarding with April coming full circle back to the hospital.

"We actually got to speak with the paramedics who first took April in. To have that opportunity to thank them in person was really moving."

By Jacob Webster, Local Democracy Reporter

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