VIDEO: Coronavirus patient Jeremy greeted by dog Milo as medics cheer him out of Northampton General Hospital after 123 days

A patient who has spent 110 days on the high dependancy ward at NGH after contracting COVID-19 in March has finally been clapped out of hospital in an emotional farewell by staff.

Former Delapre Golf Club captain, Jeremy Clough, 47, from Earls Barton, was rushed into Northampton General Hospital on March 26 by ambulance with suspected sepsis and remained in the care of medics for 18 weeks.

Paramedics - who arrived within ten minutes of receiving the blue light call - said if his family had not called the ambulance service he would not have survived another 48 hours.

Jeremy was diagnosed with sepsis by paramedics on the same day that he was admitted to hospital. But he was not told until four days later that he also had pneumonia and had tested positive for COVID-19 which saw him put into an induced coma.

On Monday, his Shih Tzu Milo, close family and hospital staff waved and cheered the Asda security guard as he left hospital to head to Royal Leamington Spa for extensive physiotherapy.

Jeremy's sister, Nicola, said: "We were so emotional as Jeremy has been in hospital for 123 days yesterday and it's been an emotional roller coaster the whole time.

"He's a true miracle and we were so proud of him yesterday as we never dreamt he would get this far in the early days. He's been through many ups and downs and yesterday was the most overwhelming day as he starts his new journey at Royal Leamington Spa rehabilitation unit.

"We were so moved seeing the amazing staff, doctors, nurses, physios and volunteers who have kept us in contact with Jeremy and they all came outside to clap him out. He's touched so many people's hearts."

Four months ago, it all started when Jeremy was suffering from an "upset stomach" for a couple of days.

Before he was admitted to hospital he also complained of a high temperature but put it down to having muscular dystrophy. Doctors told him to self-isolate in case it was coronavirus but they were not sure.

After beating the disease in April, Jeremy, who was in a critical condition, was put into an induced coma and needed a tracheotomy for eight weeks. Ten days ago he was moved off the high dependancy ward and is looking foward to starting to learn to walk again.

Nicola added: "He is so strong and we have, as a family, had to stay strong for him to encourage him as he's needed it.

"He was so emotional to see Milo and even said 'I will be home to walk him one day', which was so touching as he's never mentioned that.

"He's still got a long journey as got to learn to stand and walk but he's come so far already. It's such a long time for him to be away from us and it's been impossible not seeing much of him though this and sadly we can't go to Leamington yet.

"All the staff are amazing and have supported him and us on his journey and there will still be many tears to come, I'm sure."