A coronavirus survivor has thanked the hospital staff who he says "saved his life".

Married grandfather Terry Philpot, 66, from Puckeridge, Hertfordshire, was taken to the Princess Alexandra Hospital in Harlow on Monday March 30.

Over that weekend, Mr Philpot, a retired London black cab driver, said he had felt tired, hot, and sweaty - and as the symptoms persisted, his wife Pat called for an ambulance on the Monday.

Mrs Philpot was concerned because her husband has had chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) for 15 years.

When the paramedics arrived, Mr Philpot's temperature was measured at 40.4 degrees celcius - anyone with a temperature of 37.8 degrees celcius or higher could have Covid-19, according to the government.

Speaking about his experience in hospital, Mr Philpot said: "I was taken to a ward, I had lots of tests and was given antibiotics and paracetamol. I had really good care from all of the lovely staff.

"While I was in hospital I didn’t think I was feeling too ill really, but when I found out I had coronavirus (COVID-19), I was worried I might die because of my COPD. I tried to take my mind off it, and I slept a lot of the time when I was on the ward.

"On the Thursday afternoon (April 2), my doctor said I was well enough to go home – I was feeling ok by then. I thought, as long it stays like this, I’m good as gold, I want to go home right now."

He says since he has returned home, he is feeling a lot better and he is eating and drinking properly again - although he has lost a stone and now weighs 11 and a half stone.

Mr Philpot added: "The staff were one big team working together, everyone did something different, but it all mattered. I couldn’t have wished for any more and I am still standing here because of them.

"Those nurses and doctors are the reason that I’m alive – they saved me. I just think they’re angels, they cared so much."

Mrs Philpot, 65, added: "When Terry came home he was in bed sleeping for days and days. I think I had it too, but I just felt ill with a bit of a cough and a bad headache.

"The staff were really nice, and they kept us really well informed about Terry. They really put my mind at rest.

"Terry said he means every word of thanks for saving his life, and I am looking forward to our 50th wedding anniversary this November."

Sharon McNally, director of nursing, midwifery, and allied health professionals, said: “We are so glad to see that Terry, alongside many other patients, are doing well in their recovery from coronavirus

"It is fantastic to hear such high praise for our dedicated teams, who are working hard to support our patients. It means a great deal to our doctors, nurses and support staff to receive these words of gratitude.

"We encourage our patients to continue to get in touch and share thank you messages with our staff, as they are deeply appreciated."