A FIT and healthy 41-year-old Thurrock man has told how he was struck down by Covid-19 and taken right to the brink of death's door.

Brian Sadler from Corringham has described in detail his 'terror' in a critical care bed at Basildon & Thurrock Hospital and spoken emotionally about the care and lifesaving attention he received from the hospital's medical staff – with special words of praise for the nurse who held his hand and guided him through the darkest moments.

Brian also had a stark warning for people who are taking the threat of the virus lightly – and who may be contemplating taking risks as lockdown is eased.

Quite simply he says: "Don't do it. You are risking your life and risking the lives of others, especially those staff at the hospital who will have to care for you.

"If it can strike down me, a healthy fit bloke who works in a dockyard, it can get anybody."

Brian, who lives on Tasman Close with his wife Victoria, first started to feel unwell on Friday, 27 March and his condition deteriorated rapidly.

He spoke to his boss at his Purfleet workplace who advised him to consult the online guidance for coronavirus, which was still being formulated in the first weeks of the crisis.

On the Saturday his condition worsened as he not only developed a temperature and a cough, but began to feel ill throughout his body, particularly suffering muscle pain.

"I put muscle rub on it but I still felt so weak and in pain. I contacted the NHS through the 11 line and they advised me to 'ride it out' so I just went to bed," Brian said.

"But Sunday was no better, in fact I was worse and my parents - Brian and Jean - were becoming increasingly worried. I didn't want to worry Victoria and played it down but I really was feeling so ill.

"By the Monday and Tuesday I was in a mess but I felt I had to see it through and I didn't want to contact the hospital but on the 1st April (Wednesday) my dad said I had to get help and they called the paramedics. Initially a driver with an ambulance came out but his knowledge was limited and it was only when a paramedic came that the seriousness was spotted and he insisted a fully equipped ambulance took me to hospital.

"A bloody great tube in my mouth"

"I was given oxygen to help me breath for the journey and when I got to the hospital I was put on a triage ward. Then I was moved to Marjory Warren ward where they tried to control my breathing.

"By this time I wasn't really with it or know much about what was going on. I was instinctively fighting against what they were doing to try and help me and it was decided to 'put me to sleep'.

"I had been sedated before so I wasn't worried and said OK. I woke up and found a bloody great tube in my mouth and didn't know what had happened. It turned out I had been 'asleep' for four days!

"I was on a ventilator, I felt so ill and weak and to be honest I was just terrified. The tube was making me gyp and feeling sick. They told me I had to cough and get the fluid off my lungs, which happened countless times.

"That sent me a bit mad and I was trying to pull the tubes out as I was gasping and coughing. I was having panic and anxiety attacks so they wanted to put me back to sleep but one nurse said to give it time. She sat by me and held my hand the whole day.

"And I began to settle down. So much so I could realise what was going on around me and I remember there were children in the critical care unit around me. That made me think about my position and I began to lift up. So much so I started to sing a few songs, which seemed to also lift those people around me.

"50-50 if I would make it"

"Eventually I was well enough to be moved to the Laindon ward, where I was for 12 hours, then I was back to the Marjory Warren where I was able to continue my recovery and I was eventually released on 9 April."

"I have found out since that my family were trying to keep in touch and they were guided by the hospital staff about me. They were told I was stable, but critical – and that at one point it was 50-50 if I would make it.

"My mum and dad kept in touch with the hospital didn't sleep for four days they tell me, they were so worried but they played it down for Victoria to help her.

"I am still recovering, it will be a while before I get my strength back. I am still struggling to do more than just walk but I am here and I will get better.

"I wouldn't be here if it were not for the staff at Basildon & Thurrock Hospital.

"I would like to thank the Marjory Warren ward staff and Laindon ward staff but mostly the Critical Care Unit team for saving my life.

"Nothing could have prepared me for that ordeal but you all made it as comfortable as you could for me.

"And I pay tribute to the other patients that were in CCU with me at the time I'm sorry you all suffered as I heartbreakingly listened to you all.

"In particular – and sorry if I miss anyone out – my thanks to Sharon Ann Darling for being my carer and holding my hand when I was so upset. She was there for me and kept me going by whispering 'you are doing so well'.

"Thank you nurses Vicky Bailey, Chloe Walker, Roopson Paluri ,Harriet and Keely Rowley- Manuela - Karina of Laindon and all at Marjory Warren. And to Donna, Lucy, Dianne, Ben (thanks Ben for anxiety attack breathing situation). Thank-you everyone, sorry I can't remember all your names and worst of all, can't remember your faces due to your masks."

Also read: Cassy tells story of survival thanks to Basildon & Thurrock Hospital heroes