“We did fear the worst because mum’s 90 and has breathing problems but we’re thrilled she’s going home soon.”

Diane Dudley’s mum Marion Faulkner has been cared for on Ward 2 at Walsall Manor Hospital for the last fortnight after testing positive for COVID-19 – an extremely worrying time for her family.

“We did fear the worst because of her age,” said Diane. “And she’s had double pneumonia, she’s got asthma, COPD and suffers breathing problems. This virus is so terrible and with her being so elderly we prepared ourselves to think she might not make it.

“Over the years she’s also been in HDU so she has been through a lot. To hear she’s now well enough to come home is the best news.”

Marion’s grandson Josh – she has three grandchildren and is a great grandmother – praised “wonderful” Ward 2 staff.

“They have really looked after her and we’re so grateful for everything they’ve done, they’ve been wonderful,” he said. “We’d also like to thank Louise who took care of her in A&E, she was just so nice. We do think my nan has that effect on people though because as mum says she is a character!

“We just want her settled at home now and to carry on getting better.”