Burgess Hill Covid-19 survivor returns home – but virus has left its mark

A Burgess Hill dad who spent more than six months in hospital fighting coronavirus has returned home.
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Kalvin Mahoney came close to death after contracting Covid-19.

The 59-year-old was so sick in hospital that doctors were preparing to announce his death to his family, he said.

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He was put in an induced coma for two months, was on a ventilator and had to have dialysis because his kidneys started failing.

Covid-19 survivor Kalvin Mahoney from Burgess Hill. Picture: Steve RobardsCovid-19 survivor Kalvin Mahoney from Burgess Hill. Picture: Steve Robards
Covid-19 survivor Kalvin Mahoney from Burgess Hill. Picture: Steve Robards

But the dad-of-four, who has asthma and diabetes, stunned doctors and made a miracle recovery.

And he has now returned home after fighting the deadly disease.

“It feels great to be home and in my own environment,” Kalvin told the Middy at his home this week.

“I am extremely lucky and extremely grateful to be here.

Kalvin at his home. Picture: Steve RobardsKalvin at his home. Picture: Steve Robards
Kalvin at his home. Picture: Steve Robards
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“Being in a coma and experiencing what I did, everything seems more beautiful now, even the trees and the smell of fresh grass.”

Kalvin said he was found with a sloped face in the front room of his flat in Burgess Hill on April 3.

His son Zack, 18, thought he was having a stroke and called for an ambulance. Kalvin was rushed to hospital where his condition deteriorated quickly and he tested positive for Covid-19.

He was put into an induced coma and doctors told his family that it was unlikely he was going to make it. But, miraculously, he started showing small signs of improvement and was taken off the ventilator.

Kalvin at his home in Burgess Hill. Picture: Steve RobardsKalvin at his home in Burgess Hill. Picture: Steve Robards
Kalvin at his home in Burgess Hill. Picture: Steve Robards
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He was then transferred to the Kleinwort Centre in Haywards Heath for physiotherapy, where he had to learn to walk and swallow again. He now needs crutches and a zimmer frame to get around.

“I’m on oxygen all the time now – and I can’t stand up for very long,” said Kalvin.

“I can’t prepare my own meals and I can’t wash or dress myself. I now need carers twice a day.

“I may have beaten Covid-19, but it’s left its mark.

Kalvin Mahoney enjoying a McDonald's in hospitalKalvin Mahoney enjoying a McDonald's in hospital
Kalvin Mahoney enjoying a McDonald's in hospital

“Whether it’s permanent or not, I don’t know – nobody knows yet. I am just hoping that whoever reads this realises Covid-19 is a real thing – it’s not to be laughed at. Wear a mask, be safe and keep your distance. I’m one of the lucky ones.”

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Kalvin said if he fully recovers he wants to climb Mount Snowdon to raise money for charities in aid of Covid-19. He said a ‘really big thank you’ to the staff at the Kleinwort Centre for their amazing care.

Talk is increasing of further lockdowns in the UK. What do you think of the situation? Join the Big Conversation and have your say on everything from healthcare to how the pandemic has affected you personally and how we make our communities stronger: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/bc-worthing