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The family of Sheffield mum-of-two who was given a ‘50/50 chance’ of survival after she caught coronavirus say having her home in two weeks time will be ‘the best Christmas present they have ever had’.

Claire Haythorne, aged 45, of Hillsborough, has been in hospital for eight weeks and in an induced coma on ventilation for 35 days, after she was rushed to hospital with Covid symptoms in November.

Her devoted family had been warned several times to prepare for the worst, but thanks to an experimental drug she is now on a normal ward and expected home in just two weeks' time.

Her son Jordan, 22, said his mum’s recovery was ‘the best Christmas present I have ever had and will be for the rest of my life’.

Claire Haythorne has been in Northern General Hospital for eight weeks.

Claire, who works as a carer at a Sheffield home, had been in bed for about 10 days before she was rushed to hospital.

However, when she got there she was obviously so seriously ill she was put on oxygen straight away and had to be put into an induced coma to minimise the damage being done to her kidneys and lungs.

Two weeks ago her chances of survival were described by medics as poor, but after she was put on an experimental drug just before Christmas, she responded almost immediately.

Claire was given the drug Anakinra or Kineret, which is normally used to treat rheumatoid arthritis.

The medics at Northern General Hospital where she has been treated for the last two months described the treatment to her family as the last throw of the dice, but she came round straight away.

She is now undertaking physiotherapy before she is allowed home to see her family for the first time in eight weeks.

Also hoping for the best have been Jordan’s sister Leah, aged 18, and their dad Tariq.

They are still not allowed to see Claire on the ward but are allowed to go to the hospital to drop things off for her.

Claire Haythorne with her daughter Leah.

“We are on facetime 24/7,” said Jordan.

“She says she just feels blessed to still be here.”

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a digital subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.

Sheffield mum, 45, given ‘50/50 chance’ after eight-week Covid battle makes full recovery thanks to experimental drug

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a digital subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.