'My 98-year-old mum recovered from coronavirus'

Daphne and Wesley ShahWesley Shah

Daphne Shah is now recovering at home with her son Wesley

By Graeme Ogston
BBC Scotland Tayside and Central reporter

When 98-year-old Daphne Shah was rushed to hospital with coronavirus, her son feared the worst - but now she is back home and on the mend.

"When she left in the ambulance, I honestly never thought I'd see her again", Wesley Shah said.

Mrs Shah tested positive for Covid-19 in Dundee's Ninewells Hospital and spent five days there before being discharged with medication on Monday.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon told her daily media briefing that Mrs Shah's case was "an inspiring and very welcome good news story".

Mrs Shah's son Wesley, from St Madoes in Perth and Kinross, said he wants to "tell the world" that the very elderly can recover from Covid-19.

He said: "They had never come across a person of nearly 99 who has recovered from the virus.

"The NHS in Scotland have always been tops, but this time around they have just been unbelievable."

Nicola Sturgeon: "Her recovery is a very inspiring and very welcome good news story."

Mr Shah said his mother had been "relatively healthy" until her recent symptoms.

He had originally called a doctor and paramedics when his mother developed a cough and high temperature.

Initially suspecting a bacterial infection, she was prescribed antibiotics.

But when these did not work, she was admitted to hospital.

Her symptoms included coughing, a loss of appetite, and weakness.

Mr Shah said: "She will be 99 in July, I really wanted her to get to 100 to get the telegram from the Queen.

"I thought it would be a shame if Covid took her life before then, because she was doing so well."

'Stay positive'

With no visitors allowed in hospital, Mrs Shah initially struggled to understand what was happening.

Her son said: "She kept asking the staff at Ninewells 'where's my son, where's my son?'

"Of course they tried to explain things to her, but it didn't sink in for a few days."

Mr Shah phoned the ward for regular updates four times a day and was full of praise for the NHS staff.

He said: "I just want to get in touch with the world to say, look, I know this is a serious issue with the coronavirus.

"My message is - if a 98-year-old lady can fight this off, so can you, whatever your age is. Stay positive."

Ms Sturgeon told the briefing: "Her recovery is an inspiring and very welcome good news story.

"But it is also a reminder that even in dark times there is always light and hope, and I am sure all of us wish Daphne very well."