War hero, 98, beats coronavirus at KGH

A 98-year-old Second World War veteran has beaten coronavirus after a week-long fight at Kettering General Hospital.

Douglas Moore, from Wellingborough, suffered a fall and was admitted to the Rothwell Road hospital with Covid-19 symptoms on April 15.

He battled the virus on the Deene C ward and was given the all-clear to go home to the house he shares with his daughter on Wednesday (April 22).

On his way out he was given an emotional clap of honour from the team who had cared for him.

Mr Moore said: “They were very good to me in hospital and I felt very special when they gave me a clap and a cheer when I left.

“I think they are all absolutely wonderful and the hospital is wonderful too.”

Hundreds of people have been hospitalised by Covid-19 in Northamptonshire and almost 80 have tragically died at KGH, many of them elderly.

Thankfully Mr Moore did not need to be placed into intensive care after he contracted the virus.

He has a long-standing lung condition and his grandson, magician Lee Tuffin, said they feared the worst when they heard he had tested positive.

He said: "We were just in shock.

"You hear it and you just think that's it. You sort of prepare for the worst because you never really hear about light at the end of the tunnel.

"He beat the odds, 100 per cent. It just goes to show, never give up. He's a proper battler and always stays positive."

Mr Moore, who spent most of his working life as an account, served in the Second World War in the 8th army as a signaller.

He was one of the pioneers in the use of radar in Egypt where it was used to spot enemy planes, boats and even mines.

Hospital staff said they were amazed by his resilience and cheerful disposition.

Deene C ward sister Lucy Elliott said: “We were just so impressed with Mr Moore. He was lovely to look after and a very nice chap.

“We wanted to give him a good send off so we did him a clap with all the team as he went off in his wheelchair to the ambulance to take him home.

“We said we would miss him and he said he would miss us too. It’s so great to see him recover from Covid-19 and be well enough to go home.”

Mr Tuffin said he couldn't thank the staff enough and hopes to go and wave to his grandfather through the window soon.

After seeing the video of the clap of honour he said: "It brought a tear to my eye."

Mr Moore's daughter Margaret Tuffin added: “Now he’s home he likes to sit in the garden and watch the world go by and enjoy watching the wildlife.”