THE family of a loving dad who contracted coronavirus have paid thanks to the care home staff who are nursing him back to health.

John Savage, 70, became a resident at Victoria House Care Home in Grappenhall last year, due to a number of ongoing illnesses.

His family received the devastating news that John had contracted Covid-19 on April 7 after first having a sore throat.

Rebecca Richardson said: "My dad went off his food and lost a lot of weight due to a side effect of the virus making it nearly impossible to even swallow.

"This all happened very quickly."

The family had yet another scare when Rebecca was once called at 2.30am when John's health deteriorated rapidly.

She explained: "The paramedics came and due to his age and other health issues, dementia and a brain tumour, he wasn't going to be taken into hospital.

"Was it not for the fact that the amazing care home staff at Victoria House were keeping him monitored, hydrated and keeping his spirit alive, things could have been very different.

"Last week he said to one of the care staff that he didn't know how many more days of this he could take.

"The career quickly replied, 'well John, I haven't come in today to hear you talk like this so you can snap out of that- I'm getting you up, washed and your hair brushed', which had an immediate positive effect on his outlook."

Warrington Guardian:

Originally from Penketh, John has lived in the area all his life, working on the Manchester Ship Canal and later for British Rail.

He has always led an active life and enjoys walks with his carers.

John's family have had daily chats and reports about John's progress and recently visited him through the care home windows for his 70th birthday.

Rebecca added: "The care staff that care for the sick and vulnerable in care homes in this country need real recognition for their commitment and bravery that they face daily at this time, putting themselves at risk to help others.

"We are forever in your debt."