A Muslim bodybuilder has left hospital at last after spending 48 days in a coma and nearly dying from Covid-19.
Taxi driver Mohammed Azeem, 35, was admitted on April 14 to Bradford Royal Infirmary in the northern UK city of Bradford.
In total he spent almost 70 days in hospital fighting the illness before being released.
During his time in a coma his mother also contracted Covid-19 and did not survive.
"I was in a coma for seven weeks and couldn't come around. Everyone lost hope in me and they were about to turn the machines off but through fight and struggle I woke up in the end," he said.
"I don’t think the nurses could believe it when I finally came out of the coma and was able to talk to them and then stand up.
"I know I was at death’s door and I couldn’t have got through this if it hadn’t been for the doctors and nurses and the physiotherapists. I haven’t the words to say just how grateful I am.”
When Mr Azeem discovered he had lost his mother to coronavirus and had not been able to say goodbye he was deeply saddened.
“When I came out of the coma and the nurses told me about my mum, it was devastating," he said.
"I wanted to see my dad and the rest of my family but because of infection risks I couldn’t; that was one of the hardest things. But the nurses treated me like their family and were by my side day and night, supporting me and keeping me going and giving me a reason to get better."
Medical staff from three wards at Bradford Royal Infirmary gathered to clap and cheer as he at last left the building, part of Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.
“When they eventually said I could go home, I couldn’t believe it and as I was leaving, I was crying and some of the nurses were crying," he added.
"These people have saved my life. I still have a long road to recovery but each day I am feeling that bit stronger. I just want to say thank you to all those who helped me.
"[Coronavirus] is not a joke, it's serious. Keep your distance, keep your masks on. Trust the hospitals, they look after you."
Mr Azeem had been too scared to go to hospital and possibly survived only because his friend called an ambulance when he was unable to walk.
Medics described him as the sickest young man they had seen, his oxygen saturation levels were dangerously low at 60 per cent.
In his diary for the BBC, Professor John Wright, an epidemiologist who is head of the Bradford Institute for Health Research, said doctors had feared the worst.
"The intensive care unit team had numerous heartbreaking conversations with his family, preparing them for the worst, but Mohammed had other ideas,” he said.
"Deep within his comatose body there was an ember of vitality that kept glowing. Each time it looked as though it was about to extinguish it flickered back into flame."
A healthy person has blood oxygen saturation levels of 95 per cent or higher and a drop below 80 per cent can lead to organ failure.
"Of all our Covid inpatients, Mohammed was with us the longest to date, and his story has touched us all," chief nurse Karen Dawber said.
“He has shown true fighting spirit and a real zest for life and we wish him all the very best for his continued recovery.”
Abu Dhabi GP schedule
Friday: First practice - 1pm; Second practice - 5pm
Saturday: Final practice - 2pm; Qualifying - 5pm
Sunday: Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix (55 laps) - 5.10pm
EA Sports FC 26
Publisher: EA Sports
Consoles: PC, PlayStation 4/5, Xbox Series X/S
Rating: 3/5
What can victims do?
Always use only regulated platforms
Stop all transactions and communication on suspicion
Save all evidence (screenshots, chat logs, transaction IDs)
Report to local authorities
Warn others to prevent further harm
Courtesy: Crystal Intelligence
RESULTS
5pm Wathba Stallions Cup Maiden (PA) Dh70,000 (Dirt) 1,400m
Winner Munfared, Fernando Jara (jockey), Ahmed Al Mehairbi (trainer)
5.30pm Handicap (PA) Dh70,000 (D) 1,600m
Winner Sawt Assalam, Szczepan Mazur, Ibrahim Al Hadhrami
6pm Maiden (PA) Dh70,000 (D) 1,800m
Winner Dergham Athbah, Pat Dobbs, Mohamed Daggash
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Winner Rajee, Fernando Jara, Majed Al Jahouri
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Winner Kerless Del Roc, Fernando Jara, Ahmed Al Mehairbi
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Winner Pharoah King, Pat Dobbs, Doug Watson
8pm Conditions (PA) Dh85,000 (D) 2,000m
Winner Sauternes Al Maury, Dane O’Neill, Doug Watson
Dubai Rugby Sevens
November 30-December 2, at The Sevens, Dubai
Gulf Under 19
Pool A – Abu Dhabi Harlequins, Jumeirah College Tigers, Dubai English Speaking School 1, Gems World Academy
Pool B – British School Al Khubairat, Bahrain Colts, Jumeirah College Lions, Dubai English Speaking School 2
Pool C - Dubai College A, Dubai Sharks, Jumeirah English Speaking School, Al Yasmina
Pool D – Dubai Exiles, Dubai Hurricanes, Al Ain Amblers, Deira International School
Reputation
Taylor Swift
(Big Machine Records)
Tips to stay safe during hot weather
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can increase dehydration.
- Seek cool environments: Use air conditioning, fans, or visit community spaces with climate control.
- Limit outdoor activities: Avoid strenuous activity during peak heat. If outside, seek shade and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
- Dress appropriately: Wear lightweight, loose and light-coloured clothing to facilitate heat loss.
- Check on vulnerable people: Regularly check in on elderly neighbours, young children and those with health conditions.
- Home adaptations: Use blinds or curtains to block sunlight, avoid using ovens or stoves, and ventilate living spaces during cooler hours.
- Recognise heat illness: Learn the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke (dizziness, confusion, rapid pulse, nausea), and seek medical attention if symptoms occur.
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UAE squad
Esha Oza (captain), Al Maseera Jahangir, Emily Thomas, Heena Hotchandani, Indhuja Nandakumar, Katie Thompson, Lavanya Keny, Mehak Thakur, Michelle Botha, Rinitha Rajith, Samaira Dharnidharka, Siya Gokhale, Sashikala Silva, Suraksha Kotte, Theertha Satish (wicketkeeper) Udeni Kuruppuarachchige, Vaishnave Mahesh.
UAE tour of Zimbabwe
All matches in Bulawayo
Friday, Sept 26 – First ODI
Sunday, Sept 28 – Second ODI
Tuesday, Sept 30 – Third ODI
Thursday, Oct 2 – Fourth ODI
Sunday, Oct 5 – First T20I
Monday, Oct 6 – Second T20I
