'Life is precious': Corby DJ Des glad to be alive after 19-day ICU Covid ordeal

A Corby DJ has warned people to take Covid seriously as he struggles with the after-effects of the killer disease that left him in intensive care for 19 days.

Des Barber, 61, had been admitted into Kettering General Hospital (KGH) with his wife Karen on October 23 when they both became increasingly ill after testing positive for the virus.

Returning home, the radio presenters were recovering but when Des' health dipped, he was rushed back to KGH in to receive medical care, ending up in ICU on oxygen and gasping for breath.

He said: "We were being as careful as possible - only going out for essentials, wearing masks and washing our hands. I don't know where we got it, maybe a petrol pump.

"I want people to get the message that Covid is real. I can't tell you how terrible it is. My lungs are damaged and if I go for a ten-yard walk I get out of breath."

Des, founder of Corby Radio, spent 19 days in ICU and he puts his survival down to the care he received by staff at Kettering General Hospital.

He said: "I had a mask on all day and night, but that mask was nothing in comparison to the PPE that the staff have to wear. They saved my life.

"After my first three days I was on a liquid diet of soup and water. The consultant said he might have to put me in a induced coma.

"I begged him not to - I think that saved my life."

Des, who lives with underlying health issues including heart problems and diabetes, has now returned to his radio show but has only been able to manage a couple of hours a day before feeling the effects of the Covid.

In October, Des was recognised for his community work by Corby Lions helping lift spirits during lockdown one with his radio show.

The father-of-three and grandfather-of-seven said: "I'm back at work but I'm so fatigued that two hours and I'm exhausted.

"I'm not going to let it bother me. I'm going to keep positive all the time. All the messages of support we got were so overwhelming.

"It is real, it is out there. It is the worst thing I have ever had. I was so worried about it - I thought I was gone. I'm here now and it's given me a kick up the backside."

Covid-19 can be a brief and mild disease but some people are left struggling with symptoms including lasting fatigue, persistent pain and breathlessness for weeks or months.

So-called Long Covid can have a debilitating effect on patients recovering from the disease.

Des added: "The staff in there (KGH), I feel sorry for them. They are in full space suits. It's hot in there and they have to wear the suits for 12-hours on their shifts. I have total admiration for them.

"The vaccine is the first step. Life is precious. I'm going to enjoy spending time with my grandchildren."