Grandmother, 86, who survived Hitler and heart surgery shows ‘fighting spirit’ by beating COVID-19

The tragedies of people losing their lives to coronavirus dominate the media every day but now people are calling for more coverage of those elderly people who survive the virus to show there is hope.

One man took to Facebook to celebrate his “fighter” of a mom who recovered from coronavirus at the age of 86.

Richard Briley, from Nottingham, posted a picture of himself with his mom Barbara with the words: “This is me with my mum she has survived Hitler open heart surgery 2 replacement knees and 2 replacement hips. 

‘There is hope people’

“Few weeks ago she fell fractured her hip 2 ribs and her spine. Last week she was diagnosed with Covid 19 and spent a week in intensive care she is 86…….

“Today she has been given the all clear this is the sort of thing the media should be concentrating on there is hope people,” urged Richard who is an NHS worker.

His post has been shared by more than 460,000 people.

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=3751781794895108&set=a.394781910595130&type=3&theater

Doctors were reportedly considering a “do not resuscitate” order after Barbara was admitted to hospital with a fractured spine and tested positive for Covid-19, according to Metro News.

But the grandmother of three recovered and now her son wants to share her story to show the elderly can survive this virus.

The mother-of-three was born just before the Second World War and had told her children stories of running through the woods as the bombers flew overhead, Metro News reports.

Barbara has spent most of her time in quarantine at her local hospital and is looking forward to getting back home.

Speaking to Nottinghamshire Live, her daughter Karen Gabriel said her mom is proof that “not everyone has to die. It gives you hope that old people and those with underlying health conditions [can survive].”

Barbara’s grandson James Gabriel said: “One thing nanny would say is a massive thank you for all of the support. It’s not a miracle. It’s hard work from the NHS and her fighting spirit.”

G'wan Barbara 💪

Posted by Metro on Saturday, March 28, 2020

We’re so happy for Barbara and her family! Please share this story.