The reality of COVID: Stories from two Plymouth people
Stuart Core and Raymond Lloyd are sharing their experiences of being hospitalised with COVID-19
Last updated 21st Jan 2021
"I never thought anything like this would affect me."
Those are the words of 41-year-old Stuart Core from Plymouth.
The professional bodybuilder spent seven days in hospital suffering from COVID-19 and now he is sharing his story.
"I was in a bad way when going into hospital and admittedly thought I was young, fit and healthy. This just shows it can affect anyone.
"It was an eye-opener, it was really scary. I was in a room with people all on breathing apparatus and I was too. No one can come in to see you and you can't go out, it's like a prison really. It makes you appreciate things you've got that you took for granted."
Stuart Core
Raymond Lloyd is another patient being treated by University Hospitals Plymouth after being diagnosed with the virus.
He has been hospitalised since December, after all the members of his household contracted the virus - including his young grandson.
Raymond says he has endured a lot of physical pain and hopes the public will pay full attention to the Stay at Home message.
"It's like two little things on your shoulders: one's saying this is so painful just go to sleep and don't wake up and the other is thinking I've got a family and they've all got this. It puts a different perspective on life."
Raymond Lloyd
Derriford Hospital is currently treating around 100 patients with COVID-19.
Plymouth's current rate of infection is the highest it has ever been, and the city's Director of Public Health has admitted that lockdown 'isn't working as well as hoped'.
Dr Ruth Harrell is renewing her plea for people to stick to the current restrictions.