An NHS worker left paralysed during a 100-day battle with coronavirus walked out of hospital this week after making an incredible recovery.
Pani Kyriacou, 54, spent 40 days in intensive care with Covid-19, which also affected his nervous system and prevented him moving.
He left Croydon University Hospital on crutches on Monday, cheered by dozens of staff and colleagues.
The IT engineer had been taken to the critical care unit after falling ill at home. Although his condition stabilised, he was still paralysed with “critical care neuropathy”, which stunned his nerves.
He was moved to an inpatient ward, where he spent 58 days in the care of physiotherapists, occupational therapists and nurses.
Mr Kyriacou thanked staff for saving his life and helping his recovery, saying: “I’m almost back to normal and it is great to go home”. He said the first 50 days in hospital were “a complete blank”.
His wife Lulu said: “It looked very bad for Pani but he’s a fighter and I’m very proud of him for pulling through… To see him smiling again means the world.”