Great-grandmother and cancer sufferer celebrates 81st birthday after beating Covid-19

A great-grandmother with terminal cancer has defied the odds by celebrating her 81st birthday after recovering from coronavirus.

Mavis Torrance, from Bishopbriggs near Glasgow, who also suffers from a chronic pulmonary disease, said she cried when she tested positive for Covid-19 on March 31, fearing she wouldn’t make it.

She has spent the past month at the Marie Curie Hospice in Glasgow, after her daughter Angela Grubb and son-in-law Gus developed symptoms of the virus and self-isolated at home.

Describing the moment she found out she had the illness she said: “I burst into tears. I thought I have so much wrong with me, I’m not going to get through.

“But here I am.”

She is now back at home with Angela, Gus, and grandson Ross. The family celebrated her birthday on April 10 with cake, presents and FaceTime calls to other close relatives, including her great-grandchildren.

Further celebrations are planned for once social distancing measures are lifted.

The 81-year-old said: “The hospice were absolutely fabulous, the staff are so caring. The minute you walk through the door they do anything for you.”

Her daughter added: “Mum describes the hospice as a five-star hotel. After moving in with us last year, I found it hard to let go of her care, but the staff were all just fantastic.

"She’s loved getting back to her wee dog and we are so grateful to have her home. Marie Curie are continuing to check in with us and they got us the proper equipment that mum needs at home.

“A proper hospital bed, a rise and fall chair, a portable frame called a Sara Stedy to safely transport her between her rooms and shifting sheets for moving and handling. It’s made such a difference.”

Marie Curie Hospice manager Irene Johnstone said: “We are so happy for Mavis and her family that they’ve recovered from this devastating virus.

"It’s so special that she was able to spend her birthday at home surrounded by her loved ones and wee dog that she adores.

“Our hospices and nurses are on the front line caring for dying people, both with and without coronavirus.

"We’re pulling out all the stops to care for patients and helping relieve pressure on the NHS at this time.”