When Peter Nembhard was put onto a ventilator after contracting coronavirus, he thought he was going to die.

The 52-year-old pastor had put off going into hospital because he did not want to leave his wife and four children behind.

But on April 2, he decided he had no choice and was admitted to Basildon Hospital and at one point during his 12-day stay, he “lost all hope” of survival.

But he puts his miraculous survival down to his faith, his family and his very own “angel” who watched over him from his bedside.

Peter said: “I told my wife and kids that I could stay at home and try and recover or go into hospital. Sadly, going into hospital meant that no matter how long I was there, no one would be able see me due to visiting restrictions.

“My second daughter Kristie-Anne shared a story and explained that going to hospital [as soon as possible] would benefit my health later.”

Kristie-Anne said: “When my mobile phone started to have a few problems I should have fixed it straight away as it wouldn’t have got worse. Now it’s at a point of being irreparable. I didn’t want dad to be the same.”

Peter was eventually taken to Basildon Hospital on 2 April after eight days of suffering severe sweats, a high fever and a cough and was placed on a Covid ward after testing positive for coronavirus.

He said: “My fight in hospital was with the breathing – I was really struggling to breathe. There was one point that I had lost hope, as I thought I was going to die.”

His friends and family continued to support him with words of encouragement and their prayers.

The devout Christian, who lives in Grays, added: “I will never forget one particular nurse, Vanya Roach, who was like an angel to me. I felt as if God sent her directly to help me fight this.

“Vanya took the time to explain exactly what was happening; she sat down and fed me and really helped me through my fight.”

“I asked what I could do to assist my recovery; she said sit up in the chair or lie down on my belly as it would be easier to breathe.”

Staff nurse Roach, who helped treat Peter while he battled with Covid said: “I’m so pleased that he has recovered and is doing well. He had such a great fighting spirit and was really involved in his recovery.”

After being on a ventilator and showing signs of improvement, staff helped Peter to get up out of bed and try walking. Peter was discharged on 14 April, a day before his 31st wedding anniversary.

Peter added: “I’m so grateful to Basildon Hospital, I appreciate all the doctors and nurses and everyone who helped me to recover and allow me to be at home with my family for my wedding 31st anniversary.”

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