A 93-YEAR-OLD great grandmother who has previously had cancer, heart attacks, a stroke, bronchitis, and pneumonia has beaten coronavirus and is returning home.

Maria Antoniette Konarska, of Sully, was admitted to Llandough Hospital on March 23, with a cough and some breathing difficulties.

Mrs Konarska, a retired chef, was then tested for covid-19, diagnosed with the life-threatening condition, and put into isolation on 100 per cent oxygen.

She was transferred to Barry Hospital on April 24, where she has been recovering on the Sam Davies ward.

A retired chef, she volunteered, reading story time books, in Sully Primary school when her grandchildren were young.

She attended the Palmerton Adult Education centre, in her mid-eighties, where she did her ECDL and she learned about ancestry in Barry Library.

She was a member of Barry Ladies Choir for over more than 20 years and, as a staunch Roman catholic she has attended St Helen's RC Church, in Barry since 1984, singing in the choir every week.

Her daughter, Teresa Smolinski said: “Mum was feeling a bit unwell had a slight cough.

“She woke up one morning and her legs wouldn't move she said she fell, due to having a normal single bed.

“So, she pressed her alarm button - Telecare.

“They phoned me I told them to ring an ambulance.”

Mrs Konarska was admitted to the assessment unit.

“She was taken into isolation immediately and on 100 per cent oxygen as she was finding breathing a bit labouring,” Mrs Smolinski said. “My daughter, cousin Sarah, and myself were in constant communication with the ward. They then told my daughter that mum was positive of the virus and she would be in hospital for some time.

“Mum was poorly for a few weeks.

“However, after two weeks she was getting stronger, eating, and drinking.

“Some doctors were Facetiming so she could see me which I know boosted her and us.

“She slowly improved so much so that at five weeks she was medical fit, and moved by ambulance to Barry Hospital, Sam Davies ward.

“The occupational therapists are working on her stamina in walking.

“She is now due home end of this week.

“Her carers Churchill Health Care Ltd are on standby to provide her with her original care package and her Telecare package will be activated.

“The hospital kindly provided her with a hospital bed so she wouldn't be put in the situation again of falling out of bed.”

Mrs Smolinski said she felt complete shock on hearing the diagnosis.

“But in my heart, and I told the doctor that called me, ‘Don't worry she's coming home as nothing beats my mum. She is as strong as an Ox. He said: ‘that's the attitude.’

“She has had bronchitis, pneumonia, two heart attacks, two hip replacements, skin cancer, bowel cancer - all clear.

Five years ago she had a TIA and a full stroke. She recovered - that's how I knew she would come home

“She says she has a good life, but just wishes her legs moved better.

“She's got good friends, neighbours and family. She also said to me: ‘When my time comes don't be sad because I've had a good life and been blessed.’

“She thinks determination and being dam right stubborn has got her through.”

The family plan a get-together when able.

Mrs Smolinski said the family would like to thank all in Llandough Hospital - especially East 2, Dr Laura for the Facetiming while on wards. All on the Sam Davies ward including Rhiannon an occupational health nurse in the ward who came back to help as she's not normally on the ward.

They also thanked the ambulance crew who took her from her home, the catering staff that fed her, and the ward cleaners.

Mrs Smolinski added: “My last thanks is to Father Pat at St Helen's Church, Barry for your prayers and the congregation’s prayers.

“They worked with mum’s determination and with the gift of prayers she's coming home.”