Dundee woman Anne Wicker, 62, was overjoyed at being reunited with her 84-year-old mum Sheila after being separated for five weeks while they both fought coronavirus in hospital. Picture – Mhairi Edwards.

Emotional home reunion for Sheila, 84, and Anne Wicker, 62, after a five-week separation in hospital while they both fought Covid-19 and managed to survive the ordeal

A Dundee woman has spoken of her joy at being reunited with her mum after the pair both fought coronavirus in hospital.

Anne Wicker, 62, arrived at the Hilltown home she shares with 84-year-old mum Sheila yesterday, after five long weeks apart.

Sheila, who was discharged from hospital last week, welcomed her emotional daughter with open arms as two frontline workers helped her inside.

She had just been given a round of applause by staff as she left the Centre for Brain Injury Rehabilitation (CBIR) at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Dundee, where she had been given therapy to walk again, such was the toll of the virus.

The pair had been rushed to hospital just days apart at the start of April having both fallen over after suffering a loss of balance – a rare symptom of the disease.

Anne said: “It has been a really strange time. I’ve sort of been in a cocoon these last few weeks.

“I haven’t watched any TV or been able to read really because of my glaucoma.

“It’s lovely to be with my mum again and it will be nice to sleep in my own bed.

“I gave her a big hug. I was so emotional after being clapped out of hospital and so happy to see her.

“I have been in a safe environment for so long – I will need to get used to being here.

“We’re lucky though because we have friends who bring us shopping and we have help from NHS workers when we need it.”

Neither experienced the common symptoms associated with coronavirus such as major respiratory problems.

However, after leaving Ninewells Hospital, heavily fatigued Anne needed intense therapy at the CBIR – usually reserved for those with major brain injuries.

Occupational therapists gradually improved her strength and ability to walk and look after herself confidently.

Sheila quickly made huge strides in her recovery and was moved to Roxburghe House to continue resting before being allowed home last week.

She said: “I don’t remember much of what I’ve gone through to be honest.

“I just remember being confused and being moved from place to place. It was a really strange experience.

“I cannot even remember falling over and being taken to hospital,” she said.

“It’s great to have her home. We will probably get on each other’s nerves soon enough but it’s better she’s here.”

Anne added: “There’s nothing left to do now for us other than keep going.

“We both want to thank everyone who has treated us and helped us recover. They have all been magnificent.

“We still want to reinforce the message that everyone should stay at home if they can. It’s a scary virus and we need to protect everyone from it.”

Pictures: Mhairi Edwards. Anne back home with her mum.

Top: Sheila, smiling above, greets Anne at the front door of their home, and NHS staff clapping as she leaves hospital yesterday after five weeks fighting the virus.