Simon Farrell, 46, contracted COVID-19 in early March. He required admission to the Intensive Care unit (ITU) at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham (QEHB). He spent eight days in a medically induced coma on a ventilator.

Simon was the first patient to be successfully stepped down from ITU at QEHB during the crisis and was transferred to a medical ward (Ward 515) for a short spell before being discharged home.

After four months of recovering and rehabilitating at home, Simon is taking on the challenge of a 100 mile cycle ride around the Cotswolds with his friends to raise money for the hospital that saved his life. Simon said: “The amazing staff at the hospital saved my life and allowed me to return home to my family, I want to pay them back in some way.”

Simon recently spoke to the BBC about his experiences and recovery. He reflected on the period of delirium and confusion he experienced when initially waking up from his induced coma. He has vivid memories of this time and still experiences occasional nightmares and flashbacks. He also spoke openly about the impact of the condition, not just in terms of the physical deficits but also the cognitive and psychological aspects and the importance of rehabilitation.

Since leaving hospital, Simon has steadily recuperated over four months and is now ready to take on this fundraising challenge to give something back to the team that saved his life. He said: “The money that we raise will help the team on Critical Care to help educate patients on how best to recover when they leave critical care. A proportion of the funds will also go to Ward 515 where I was treated after leaving Critical Care and to Therapy Services for the purchase of much-needed rehabilitation equipment.”

The 14-strong cycling team have already beaten their initial fundraising target of £1,000, and there is still a month to go before they take to the roads on 14 August.

Simon’s wife, Hannah, said: “I am indebted to my amazing colleagues and friends at QEHB for the amazing care and compassion that my husband, Simon, received when he was on Critical Care and Ward 515 in early March. I have worked for the NHS for 25 years in September and have worked at QEHB for the majority of this time. I am so proud of the world-class care that is provided by the trust and its staff of all disciplines. I have no doubt that NHS stars have never shone so bright over the challenging last few months, and I would like to thank each and every one of them who contributed to the care and compassion that Simon received and the support given to me and our boys.”

Charlotte Schofield, Director of Fundraising at University Hospitals Birmingham Charity, said: “On behalf of everyone at QEHB I would like to express how delighted I am that Simon has made such a steady recovery since his time in hospital with COVID-19. It is inspirational that he is already taking on a fundraising challenge to support those who helped him in his time of need, and I would like to wish him and the team all the very best for their 100 mile ride.

“The money that Simon and the team raise will help our staff on Critical Care and the medical wards to provide the very best rehabilitative care for their patients in the future. As a Charity we are proud to support their work, which has been so vital throughout this pandemic.”

You can sponsor Simon and the team by visiting their JustGiving page here.

Find out more about how UHB Charity is supporting the response to COVID-19 here.

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