A heavily pregnant mum who was desperately fighting for her baby's life is to return home to her family after successfully battling a severe case of coronavirus.

Karen Mannering captured the hearts of Kent this week after sharing a video of her fighting back the tears as she remained in hospital following a diagnosis of pneumonia in both lungs.

The 39-year-old beauty therapist, who lives in Herne Bay, says she had "given up" against the deadly disease.

But after more than a fortnight of battling, the mum-of-three - who is seven months pregnant - has been given the go-ahead to return home.

In a new Facebook video, she says: "Just got the news that I'm going home to my babies and husband.

"I've been so ill since March 12, but now I get to go home.

"I'll be in self isolation for another week but I don't care. I get to go home and see my babies faces. I can't touch them and cant kiss them still.

"I am so excited. I've got a long run ahead of me to recover but I'm coming home.

"Thank you everyone for your well wishes. They really did help me through when I'd given up. Thank you."

The UK government has classed expectant mothers as those among the "vulnerable" group at risk of Covid-19.

Mrs Mannering received treatment at Margate QEQM Hospital.

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