Man thanks south London researchers for saving his life
- 6 August 2024
- 1 min read
A former immigration officer has thanked researchers at Kingston Hospital for saving his life after he became seriously unwell from COVID-19.
Mike Sansom, 53, from Thames Ditton, was their first COVID-19 case. He was put into a coma and admitted to the intensive care unit at Kingston Hospital NHS Foundation Trust in March 2020. During his 14-week stay in hospital, he was enrolled into the NIHR-supported RECOVERY trial.
The trial examined multiple drugs and their effects on people hospitalised with COVID-19. Researchers discovered that the steroid dexamethasone and the arthritis treatment tocilizumab dramatically reduced the risk of death. These drugs went on to save the lives of millions of people worldwide during the pandemic. Mike said:
"I regard the research team at Kingston Hospital as my lifesavers and angels. I have so much respect and admiration for them all. I didn't realise how ill I was, as my health deteriorated very quickly. However, the care I received was fantastic, and their support took me from being in a very dark place to seeing some light at the end of the tunnel.
"I'm very proud to have survived COVID-19 despite the odds being hugely stacked against me. I'm also pleased that I could play a small part in helping researchers find treatments that work against COVID-19. The RECOVERY trial has improved my life, and I would take part in another research trial without question.
"The virus has affected every major organ in my body and left its long-term permanent mark on me. However, I take each day as it comes, good days and those not-so-good. The research team at Kingston Hospital deserves as much praise and recognition as they can get."
Find out more about the RECOVERY trial.
