Lincoln coronavirus survivor thanks doctors and nurses who 'saved his life'

A 76-year-old man who received a guard of honour by the doctors and nurses says they all deserve a medal for saving his life.Frank William Smith, who is known as Billy by his friends and family, spent 81 days in Lincoln County Hospital fighting coronavirus, including 71 days on the intensive care unit.Billy, a retired RAF Engineer who lives in Lincoln, said:

Billy, who said he would "never forget the kindness and care" he received, was placed in a medically induced coma and on a ventilator.

His wife Maria phoned the unit every day for updates and knew he was so poorly that she feared he may not survive. Maria was given a knitted woolen heart by the nurses and was told that Billy had a matching one to hold. When the couple were reunited so were the little hearts that had given them so much comfort over the weeks.Maria added: