Mum from Westward Ho! describes how she struggled to breathe after being hospitalised with coronavirus

A mum from North Devon has described how she struggled to breathe and was left in severe pain after catching the coronavirus.

Jess Marchbank, who has no underlying health conditions, was the first patient to be treated at North Devon District Hospital with the COVID-19 virus.

The 32-year-old mother-of-two described how the virus "came on an instant" and left her in terrible pain. She is now out of hospital and recovering at home.

WATCH: Jess speaks to ITV West Country about her terrifying ordeal.

The former paediatric nurse then rang 111 and was told they highly suspected she had contracted coronavirus.

She added: "We had already self-isolated as a family as per theguidelines, so as my husband managed the kids, I stayed in bed andslept all Saturday day and night and then slept Sunday as well.

"The joint pain and headache eased off but the lethargy got worse.Then I lost all taste and smell.

"Sunday night I had an episode where my breathing was impaired whichshook me up. As a nurse I knew I was struggling to get oxygen in.

"This episode passed and I went to sleep. I wanted to get checked outbut I didn't dare risk the possibility of passing the bug on."

On Monday Jess developed a cough, her chest became tight and felt light-headed and dizzy.

She went on to say: "I was all mottled and couldn't catch a breath so we ended up calling 999 and being taken to A&E (at North Devon DistrictHospital in Barnstaple).

"The ambulance was super quick. The staff on board were amazing,really comical but caring in their manner. I was terrified to breatheon them. They put a mask on me, then an oxygen mask over the top."

Once Jess arrived at A&E she was taken straight to a specially madeisolation cubicle within the hospital.

She said: "This was a bit scary but obviously necessary. The staffwere phenomenal! I can't fault them. I had bloods, swabs, x-rays, aconsultant assessment and a cup of tea all within 40 minutes.

"The staff were prepared, calm and collected. They treated me withcompassion, empathy and dignity. "

Jess was later transferred to a cubicle dedicated to suspected COVID-19 cases.

She said: "I had oxygen therapy overnight and regular checks bynursing staff and doctors. I remained there till I was ready fordischarge home.

"Due to my family all being in self isolation, the hospital arrangedtransport for me.

"Honestly, the care I received was second to none. I have nothing butpraise for our stretched NHS."

Jess was discharged on Wednesday (March 25th) and allowed to return home to Westward Ho! and her family.

She's feeling better but walking and talking hurt her chest and bring on fits of coughing.

She says she has no idea where she contracted the illness.

We were sent this photo of Jess reunited with her children after recovering from coronavirus.