A man who spent 14 weeks battling coronavirus in hospital has given back to the nurses and doctors who cared for him.

Steve Brown has donated two digital tablets to the critical care unit at Basildon Hospital which will help patients on ventilators communicate with staff and family.

Steve, who is 64 and from Basildon, spent four weeks on a ventilator while he was being treated for coronavirus.

He said: “I was on the ventilator and couldn’t talk, so I know what a difference these tablets will make, helping patients communicate with their families and staff.

“I just wanted to give something back.

“Giving these tablets to staff on the unit is just a huge thank you to the whole team, from the consultant to critical care nurses and physiotherapists. They were just all fantastic.

Steve, who works as ward security for the Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust, is undergoing regular physiotherapy to strengthen his legs following his lengthy stay in hospital.

Amanda Fife, a critical care nurse on the unit, said: “It’s so nice to see Steve; he has made a fantastic recovery.

“It’s great to see how much stronger he is getting and his kind donation will help make such a difference.”