BORIS Johnson has released a candid video addressed to the nation just hours after being discharged from hospital while battling coronavirus. The Prime Minister praised the “magnificent NHS” and mentioned two nurses in particular who were paramount to his care. ⚠️ Read our coronavirus live blog for the latest news & updates Mr Johnson, 55, began […]
BORIS Johnson has released a candid video addressed to the nation just hours after being discharged from hospital while battling coronavirus.
The Prime Minister praised the “magnificent NHS” and mentioned two nurses in particular who were paramount to his care.
Read our coronavirus live blog for the latest news & updates
Mr Johnson, 55, began the sincere address by saying: “I today left hospital after a week in which the NHS has saved my life … no question.”
In a reference to the current lockdown measures in effect across the UK, he thanked Brits for “the effort and sacrifice” that have been made.
“When the sun is out and when the whole natural world seems at its loveliest and the outdoors is so inviting, I can only imagine how tough it has been to follow the rules on social distancing.
“So many millions across this country have been doing the right thing.”
The PM optimistically stressed that “although the struggle is by no means over, we are now making progress in this incredible national battle against coronavirus.”
We will win because our NHS is the beating heart of this country. It is the best of this country. It is unconquerable. It is powered by love.
Boris Johnson
“I want to pay my own thanks to the utterly brilliant doctors, leaders in their fields …. who took some crucial decisions a few days ago which I will be grateful for the rest of my life,” he added.
“And I hope they won’t mind if I mention in particular two nurses who stood by my bedside for 48 hours when things could have gone either way.
“They’re Jenny from New Zealand in Invercargill on the South Island to be exact, and Louis from Portugal near Porto.
“And the reason in the end my body did start to get enough oxygen was because for every second of the night they were watching and they were thinking and they were caring and making the interventions I needed.”
In stirring finish, Mr Johnson noted: “We will win because our NHS is the beating heart of this country. It is the best of this country. It is unconquerable. It is powered by love.”
Mr Johnson’s office confirmed he left St Thomas Hospital and will continue his recovery at Chequers — but he will not immediately return to work.
As the news broke of Boris’ discharge, pregnant fiancee Carrie tweeted: “I cannot thank our magnificent NHS enough.
“The staff at St Thomas’ Hospital have been incredible.
“I will never, ever be able to repay you and I will never stop thanking you.
“There were times last week that were very dark indeed. My heart goes out to all those in similar situations, worried sick about their loved ones.”
Earlier it emerged that Carrie had been sending the Prime Minister daily updates, including images of their unborn child, as he struggled with coronavirus.
The couple have not seen each other since he was admitted to hospital almost a week ago.
Carrie who is due to give birth in two months, has also been ill with coronavirus-like symptoms in recent weeks, but has not been tested.
Meanwhile, Boris’ dad Stanley Johnson praised the NHS for the care they gave his son.
He added: “I realise now — I think the whole country realises — how close he came to a crisis situation and it is wonderful he has come out of that crisis.
“It is wonderful that the national health service was able to help him and I think he has also paid tribute to them.
“Our thoughts are with everybody, not only those who are fighting the battle against coronavirus, but those who are suffering from it.”
It came as the coronavirus death toll in the UK rose to at least 10,352 as 657 die in England alone.
That is a leap from Saturday’s total of 9,875 as the country remains in lockdown battling against the virus.
I can’t thank them enough… I owe them my life
Boris Johnson
A No10 spokesman said: “The PM has been discharged from hospital to continue his recovery, at Chequers.
“On the advice of his medical team, the PM will not be immediately returning to work.
“He wishes to thank everybody at St Thomas’ for the brilliant care he has received.
“All of his thoughts are with those affected by this illness.”
Johnson, 55, was diagnosed over two weeks ago, becoming the first world leader confirmed to have the illness.
His coronavirus symptoms at first were said to have been mild, including a cough and a fever, and he was working from home during the first few days.
As he prepared to leave St Thomas’ Hospital in South London he said he owes his life to the National Health Service staff who treated him for COVID-19.
He said: “I can’t thank them enough.
“I owe them my life.”
Don't miss the latest news and figures - and essential advice for you and your family.
To receive The Sun’s Coronavirus newsletter in your inbox every tea time, sign up here.
To follow us on Facebook, simply ‘Like’ our Coronavirus page.
Get Britain’s best-selling newspaper delivered to your smartphone or tablet each day – find out more.
Boris was admitted to St Thomas on April 5 after his condition worsened and he was transferred the following day to its intensive care unit, where he received oxygen but was not put onto a ventilator.
He spent three nights there before moving back to a regular hospital ward.
While he convalesces, Johnson has asked Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab to handle the nation’s response to the pandemic that has infected at least 1.78 million worldwide and killed 109,000 people.
Experts say those numbers seriously understate the impact of the pandemic, due to limited testing and different ways of counting the dead.
BRITAIN’s four million NHS staff are on the frontline in the battle against coronavirus.
But while they are helping save lives, who is there to help them?
The Sun has launched an appeal to raise £1MILLION for NHS workers.
The Who Cares Wins Appeal aims to get vital support to staff in their hour of need.
We have teamed up with NHS Charities Together in their urgent Covid-19 Appeal to ensure the money gets to exactly who needs it.
The Sun is donating £50,000 and we would like YOU to help us raise a million pounds, to help THEM.
No matter how little you can spare, please donate today here
