Long-serving HM Coastguard volunteer thanks NHS after recovering from Coronavirus

Long-serving HM Coastguard Shoreham volunteer Andy Hall has paid tribute to the NHS on their 72nd anniversary after recently recovering from Coronavirus at Worthing Hospital.

Andy, who has been a popular volunteer with the West Sussex-based coastguard rescue team for the best part of two decades, spent over five weeks in the care of NHS doctors and nurses during the peak of the pandemic – but was thankfully discharged from intensive care and allowed to return home in early May.

Since then, Andy has been making steady progress and held weekly phone conversations with NHS staff, who are continuing to support and monitor his recovery with the use of a Fitbit.

"I can't speak highly enough of the NHS," Andy said. "They've been fantastic and so brilliant with me, from the treatment I received when I was in hospital to the frequent follow-ups and check-in calls.

"I'm making steady progress and had a bit of a hiccup a couple of weeks ago, but I am fine. I've always been very active with lots of walking and cycling, so I find it quite difficult to slow down. Your head is telling you that you're good to go and get on but I need to take my time with my recovery."


Andy is hopeful he will be able to resume his volunteer work with Shoreham in the coming weeks and months but, for now, has hailed the support and well-wishes from his coastguard colleagues who've helped with anything and everything, from shopping trips to the supermarket and deliveries to his front door, to being on hand to offer lifts to and from places.

He added: "What a team they are and we're like a family. They're always there for you and I can't wait to get back and to help everyone at the station, as I know they've been really busy lately with call-outs.

"It's frustrating not to be involved but I've still got a bit to go and look forward to being with the team again soon."

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