A great-grandfather from Congleton has applauded the heroic role the NHS have played in helping him make a full recovery from coronavirus.

Raymond Lancaster, who has underlying health issues, has been fighting Covid-19 for nearly five weeks at Macclesfield General Hospital before being discharged to a rapturous applause from the NHS staff today (Thursday).

The 72-year-old was first admitted to hospital on 21st March after falling and cutting his head.

However, Mr Lancaster, who use to work in the media industry tested positive for the deadly disease whilst being treated for the injuries he sustained in his fall.

He was transferred to a specific coronavirus ward within the hospital and underwent oxygen treatment.

Due to Raymond suffering from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and having an aneurysm on his aorta, his family were sceptical about his chances of beating the virus due to his underlying health condition.

During his time on Ward 12, Raymond was being given the maximum amount of oxygen over four weeks due to a build up of fluid on his lungs.

However, over the last week doctors saw a significant improvement and were able to reduce the amount of oxygen Raymond needed and he returned to his Congleton home today.

After arriving home, Raymond told Nub News: "The nurses and doctors were clapping me out the doors today, but I was clapping back at them, they are the true heroes.

"Everyone who works at that hospital always has a smile on their face, they're absolutely brilliant."

An emotional Raymond was greeted with a welcome home banner by his neighbours and he revealed that he tried to stay positive throughout the uncertainty.

Mr Lancaster added: "As a patient you have got to try and stay positive and keep the spirits up in the ward. You cannot let this virus beat you down."

According to Raymond, nobody has passed away from the virus on Ward 12 with up to 15 people during his time at the hospital fully recovering and being discharged.

Mr Lancaster added: "That's testament to the amazing staff, who are going above and beyond every day to save lives. They're an absolute credit."

Raymond's daughter, Helen Ijichi, couldn't hold back the tears when she picked up her father from the hospital and described the last five weeks as an "emotional rollercoaster".

The 47-year-old said: "When he first got admitted I was devastated because we only thought it would be a short stay relating to his head injury.

"It was difficult for me to speak to my dad directly because it was his partner Sue, who was registered as his next of kin and the hospital could only provide daily updates to the next of kin.

"Plus, his mobile was running out of battery, so it was pretty horrendous."

Miss Ijichi's brother died in October of hospital-acquired pneumonia, and when she was told by the doctors that there was a chance of her dad getting pneumonia, she couldn't help but think "not again".

Miss Ijichi, who lives in Warrington and works for the NHS, said that due to her dad's jolly and prankster nature, she knew he would be brightening up the ward and keeping everyone on their toes with his "cheeky traits".

After picking up her father today, Helen added: "I keep breaking down and crying every five minutes. He is my hero."

Helen said she will be forever grateful to the NHS workers at the hospital and for their dedication in helping her dad to recover.

Miss Ijichi added: "I cannot thank the staff on Macclesfield Ward 12 enough. Without them I doubt we would be welcoming our dad, grandfather and great grandfather home. People have died from lesser complications.

"I will definitely be showing my appreciation by clapping the loudest for the NHS tonight."

An East Cheshire NHS Trust spokesperson said: "As patients are often transferred between wards during the course of their treatment we are not able to confirm whether all patients cared for on Ward 12 have fully recovered.

"However thanks to our dedicated and professional staff a high number of patients have been successfully discharged from the ward and we are delighted that Mr Lancaster is among them."