39-year-old Matt Dockray has pleaded with other people to ‘not be an idiot’ and follow the government’s advice to stay indoors.
The father has no underlying health problems but he was left on the brink of death and was ‘at one point given a small window of survival’ when his lungs failed after he was diagnosed with coronavirus.
Mr. Dockray said his symptoms started as a ‘small cough’ and he became so sick that he decided to record a goodbye message to his family.
He also urged people to follow the government’s advice to prevent the spread of the life-threatening virus.
In a Facebook post, the father-of-one said: “I’m 39, and no poster boy for men’s health, but if I can end up like this now, so can anyone reading it.
“I’m currently in ICU and at one point given a small window of survival as my lungs are failing and awaiting my time to be sedated and put on a ventilator.
“I have been ill for three weeks, from a small cough on the day I watched football at Wembley on 1 March, to chills, fever and headache as we opened our new venue in London. Day by day, I felt hungover and crap, but I carried on like a true hero, ignoring every bit of family advice.
“The doctors asked if I had been to China and that was enough to disregard COVID-19 and for them to tell me that I may have a seasonal virus, but they gave me some antibiotics just in case.”
Mr. Dockray described how he was unable to leave the sofa as he was struggling to breathe and stay awake.
“Finally, my wife couldn’t listen to me anymore and called an ambulance,” he said. That’s when they found out his condition.
“They were going to call my wife and family and explain that I would have to be put to sleep, and then put on a ventilator, as my lungs were failing and would be going into respiratory arrest.
“Those who know me know I like a challenge, and from that moment have been fighting with every breath on the promise that until I pass out, I’m to stay awake to fight this with everything I can.
“Three days later, I have started to stabilise – it’s not that I’m getting much better, it’s just that I’m not getting any worse.”
He added: “On an hourly basis, I am watching the rooms marked with a laminated red rose – identifying those critical with COVID-19 – empty as their family say goodbye through the glass.
“I wouldn’t wish this on any enemy. I even recorded a video to my wife and child to say goodbye because at one point I nearly gave up due to the pain and the fear.
“This isn’t for sympathy or attention – I’ve got every bit of positivity coming right at me from those closest and dearest.
“Every word of encouragement equals a rescue breath to getting better. This is for those that need a kick in the a*** to stay out the way – stop panic buying, stop risking loved ones – do as you’re told and let nature take its course.”
What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments section and SHARE this story with your friends and family!
Replaced!