A WOMAN given just hours to live is “still fighting” after a gruelling battle with Covid-19 and a second hospital stint.

Mary Blessington, 67, and her husband of nearly 48 years, Michael, 68, were admitted to the Bradford Royal Infirmary (BRI) at the same time back in April.

The couple, from Clayton, have been inseparable since they met at school when they were 13.

The hospital stay meant the devoted pair were separated, but their son Craig, 48, said the “turning point” came when they were placed side by side on the same ward.

Michael was discharged first and their family was overjoyed when much-loved nana Mary was allowed home a few days later - but more strife was to come.

Their story has been documented by Professor John Wright, an epidemiologist and director of the Bradford Institute for Health Research, for a BBC diary which gives an insight into how the hospital has coped during the coronavirus crisis.

Prof Wright said: “Elaine Martin, a trainee advanced clinical practitioner who visited Mary at home, noticed that she was still having difficulty breathing, and that she was deeply worried both about her husband’s health and her own prospects of recovery.

“The decision was taken to bring Mary back to hospital - which was fortunate, because that night her condition worsened. It was thought she might only have hours to live, so Michael and the couple’s two surviving sons came to the hospital early in the morning, put on PPE and sat with her, saying their goodbyes.

“But I am glad to say Mary recovered again. She remains very poorly, and is receiving help for her anxiety, but we hope she is on the mend.”

Craig told the Telegraph & Argus: “It was very scary. It was like a living nightmare.

“The doctor took us into the family room and he explained she was struggling and she’s only got a few hours of life left. It was so scary and worrying, it just didn’t seem real. We had to try and stay strong.”

The family kept a bedside vigil, but Craig said: “She’s still fighting.”

Michael and Mary now keep in touch using Facetime, but it’s hoped she will be able to return home.

Craig added: “They’ve not been apart since were 13. It must be terrible for them.”

Elaine, the clinical practitioner who visited Mary, is part of the Virtual Ward, which allows elderly patients to remain instead in familiar surroundings while also continuing to receive complex clinical care. Staff are on call 24/7, and patients remain the responsibility of the doctors who referred them.

“When Mary eventually leaves hospital for the second and hopefully final time, she is likely to need further care at home for many more weeks,” said Prof Wright.

“It will be the Virtual Ward that provides this, until her recovery is complete.”