Neighbours applaud in the street as coronavirus survivor finally comes home

It was a moment his family thought they might never see

A coronavirus survivor has finally returned home to his family after 10 weeks fighting for his life in hospital.

Neighbours in Headley Park in Bristol lined the street and applauded as Brian Harvey walked to his front door, which he had not seen since being taken away in an ambulance in March.

The 69-year-old was finally discharged from the Bristol Royal Infirmary on Thursday (May 28), more than two months after he was admitted and diagnosed with COVID-19.

He had spent weeks in an induced coma and, at several points, doctors warned his wife and three children that he might not make it through.

His daughter Faye Stapleton, 32, said it was an emotional moment that they thought they might never see.

The mum-of-two said: "All our neighbours came out, social distancing, and lined the street - it was absolutely amazing.

"It was just so emotional. My dad obviously meant the world to me before all this, but now he is even more precious to me and I'm spoiling him and treasuring him that little bit more.

"It just doesn't seem real, I've been pinching myself."

Her parents live in an annex adjacent to her house, meaning they are in the same household and she and her children have finally been allowed to give her dad a hug.

Mr Harvey's family were unable to visit him in hospital due to the restrictions, and relied on video calls to communicate with him.

Mrs Stapleton raised more than £6,000 to fund computer tablets for the intensive care unit, so other patients could 'see' their loved ones.

She said she was tearful to be able to cook her dad a welcome home dinner of meatballs and cheesy garlic bread, and he was determined to make it outside afterwards for Clap for Carers.

Proudly wearing a 'coronavirus survival 2020' T-shirt, he joined the rest of his family on their doorstep to show his appreciation for the NHS heroes who helped to save him.

His daughter said: "It was just absolutely unbelievable.

"We are just going to look at the positives now and look to the future - this has made us stronger as a family."

Staff at the hospital had given Mr Harvey the nickname of 'Teflon Man' after his incredible recovery from the brink of death, and had to explain to him what coronavirus was after he came round from the coma.

Mrs Stapleton said: "He's done remarkably, for what he's been through. We are shocked by how well he is walking.

"He gets very tired and breathless just walking down the driveway, but he's a very strong and determined man."

She said they feel lucky that he has pulled through, especially knowing that there are so many families who have not been so fortunate.