North Devon Covid survivor's fundraiser to thank hospital that saved her life

A Covid survivor who hit the national headlines after spending an astonishing 93 days in intensive care at North Devon District Hospital has organised a charity concert to thank the hospital that saved her life.

People lined the streets of Holsworthy to applaud when Mandy Mitchell finally returned home in June 2020, five-and-a-half weeks after being admitted to hospital in Barnstaple with Covid 19 on March 22, just hours before the UK was plunged into lockdown.

She was given only a 50/50 chance of survival and spent most of her time in hospital in an induced coma and on a ventilator, with the virus attacking multiple areas of her body.

Despite it all, she pulled through and made national news when she was finally able to return home, including an appearance on Good Morning Britain.

Now, Mandy is planning to give something back to the hospital that saved her life.

Mandy, husband Kevin and hospital radio station Tarka Radio have organised an evening with top Cornish comedian Johnny Cowling, at Holsworthy Memorial Hall on Saturday, January 27, in aid of Tarka Radio and hospital charity Over and Above.

Mandy has also launched a JustGiving online fundraising page for the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at North Devon District Hospital (NDDH).

When Mandy arrived at NDDH on March 22, just hours before a stern Prime Minister was to tell Britons to ‘stay at home, protect the NHS and save lives’, she was immediately put in an induced coma because her condition was so critical.

What had begun as little more than a cold had become truly deadly. Mandy, a phlebotomist, was then 58-years-old and otherwise fit and well.

Kevin and her family were told her chances were 50/50. While comatose, she suffered kidney failure, heart problems, two seizures and an internal bleed. Her blood circulation became so bad that three of her fingers went black.

Her recovery was not straightforward and for some time she was not strong enough to be brought out of her coma.

Speaking on GMB after leaving hospital, Mandy said: “‘I don’t remember going into hospital. The first thing I remember is when they started to bring me round.

“There were all these people in this PPE who were looking at me, which was quite daunting. I didn’t really realise what was going on but they were brilliant and they reassured me.

“The care was just out of this world. I couldn’t believe it when I was told how long I’d been critically ill.”

Now she is keen to give something back if she can and money raised will help NDDH provide even better support for critically-ill patients and their families, over and above what is possible with NHS funding.  

Mandy said: “I am still overwhelmed by the incredible care for me at the hospital. It was such a huge team effort and although I have little memory of my time in ICU, I will be forever thankful for everything they did to save my life. 

“They did so many fantastic things for me so I’m hoping to give a little bit back if I can. 

“I hope people will have a great evening watching Johnny Cowling and help raise some money to enable our wonderful hospital do even more for patients and their families.” 

The Evening with Johnny Cowling at Holsworthy Memorial Hall will also feature a raffle, auction and bar. Tickets are £15 each and are available online by CLICKING HERE or by calling the box office on 01726 63513.

Tickets are also available from The White Hart Hotel in Holsworthy, as well as the Over and Above fundraising office in North Devon District Hospital foyer.

If you’d like to make a donation to Mandy’s fundraising, visit: www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/kevin-mitchell-4