A Covid-19 survivor arrived home to mass applause after battling the virus in hospital for four weeks.

Robert Sadler, known as Bob by his friends and family, had been a patient at Darent Valley Hospital, and had been so ill that he ended up on Laurel Ward, a high dependency unit.

Robert Sadler arriving home after beating Covid -19 Video: Nikki Robinson

The 58-year-old black cab driver arrived back at his home in Robina Avenue, Northfleet on Monday.

Bob was met by his wife, Tracey, 57, while his friends, step-daughter Nikki Robinson and two sons, Ryan and Shaun, cheered him on, all comforming to the social distancing guidelines.

Nikki, from Dartford, said: “It was so horrendous, there were a couple of times the hospital staff told us that he might not make it.

"But the doctors and nurses were so amazing. Whenever my mum, Bob's wife, wanted to call up and check on him, they'd answer.

"We are so grateful to Darent Valley Hospital and all their staff.

Bob began to show Covid-19 symptoms on Sunday, March 29, he was then taken into hospital on Saturday, April 4, before being put into a coma on the Sunday.

The dad-of-three was put onto a ventilator and had to be moved onto his front by hospital staff in order for him to breathe more easily.

Nikki said: "It was just the not knowing that was so hard, but he's home and safe now.

"He's tired, but looks a lot better, he hasn't got much energy but he is happy to be home.

"Bob is getting back to his usual cheeky self.

"My mum was living with Bob and has shown no symptoms what so ever, the two of them are obviously now self isolating, but we were very lucky that no one else in the family caught the coronavirus.

"We have no idea where he could've caught it from.

"It was so emotional for us all. Bob loves life, he's a bit of a party animal, loves going on holiday and spending time with people.

"To think that all of that could've been taken away is awful.

"Bob is desperate to see the grandkids, but we've got to hang on for however much longer before we can all have a proper reunion.

"My step-dad's recovery shows that there is hope. We all want to say a big thank you to everyone at Darent Valley Hospital for saving my step-father’s life.

"Thank you from the bottom of our hearts."

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