Virus appeal pastor is forced back to hospital

DISTRESSING Mark Mcclurg’s film

A MAN whose distressing hospital video brought Covid into sharp focus is back in hospital after developing clots in his lungs.

Mark Mcclurg is struggling with the consequences of the virus almost a year on.

The pastor at Ards Elim church in Co Down tweeted: “I would value your prayers at this time.

“I am back in the Ulster hospital as I have clots on my lungs.

“I have pain across my chest and upper back. But once again I am being cared for by the staff in the Ulster Hospital.”

Mark, 41, spent seven days on a ventilator in the intensive care unit of the Dundonald facility, after contracting Covid-19 last March.

VENTILATOR

After he had recovered enough to be weaned off the ventilator, the Newtownards man made a video from his hospital bed to explain how he had faced death and urged people to heed the dangers.

And although he was discharged from hospital, he continued to suffer health problems.

By September, still struggling with low energy levels, breathlessness, joint pain and brain fog, Mark revealed he was suffering long Covid after his consultant said he may face an 18-month recovery. And in December he underwent a scan to assess if he had suffered permanent damage to his lungs. Yesterday, when Mark would normally have been dealing with parishioners, his thoughts were on his wife Claire and Valentine’s Day, sending her a loving poem.

PRINCE William paid tribute to a nurse killed by Covid, as he urged NHS chiefs to stress mental health.

Estrella Catalan, 52, died at Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital where she had worked for 18 years. He told East of England’s NHS leadership staff must be encouraged to take mental health seriously, adding: “I also want to pass on my thoughts to you about much loved Estrella Catalan.”

■ Listen to Pod Save the Queen, the Daily Mirror’s royal podcast at podfollow.com/podsave-the-queen. Sign up for the royal newsletter at www.mirror.co.uk

MUCH MISSED Nurse Estrella