COVID-BEATING DAD SURPRISED BY BABY JOY NEWS TO MARRY
THE daughter of a man who survived 10 weeks in intensive care suffering from coronavirus surprised her dad by telling him he would be a grandfather.
Brian Fernie, from Cambuslang, had one of the longest stays recorded in East Kilbride’s University Hospital Hairmyres ICU, including 62 days in an induced coma breathing through a ventilator.
The 46-year-old came out the other side and has now vowed to marry his sweetheart, Lisa McCutcheon, hoping for a Gretna Green wedding in early June.
His daughter Brooke, 20, delivered the good news by posting him a baby scan.
Briain said: “Brooke was going to tell me she was pregnant but she didn’t get a chance before I fell ill. So she surprised me by sending me a card with the baby scan after I was moved out of ICU. I opened it while I was on a video call with the family, so they could see how delighted I was when I found out.”
A “fit and healthy” man before contracting the deadly bug, Brian was shocked to have been struck down with the illness and urged others to get the vaccine when they’re offered it.
He added: “I have mild asthma but I was fit and healthy before I got the virus in November – I’m a window installer so I was very active. But I lost four stone while I was in ICU and my muscles are severely weakened. When I woke up I couldn’t even lift a finger.
“All the staff have been fantastic and I’m now working with the physiotherapists to get back on my feet. This week I’ve managed to stand unaided for the first time and I’m able to walk a few steps using a walking frame.
“I’ve put a stone in weight back on and I’m feeling positive about the future, although I know it will take time to recover.”
Brooke’s baby is expected in May and, travel restrictions allowing, Brian and Lisa are hoping to jet off to Thailand for their honeymoon, after a gruelling two months of battling Covid.
Brian and Lisa, who have another daughter, Ellie Fernie, 16, have been together for 22 years and have talked about tying the knot for a long time, but Brian’s experience has convinced them there’s no point waiting.
University Hospital Hairmyres chief of nursing services Lise Axford said: “We’re all delighted!”