A Perthshire woman who will turn 99 this summer has stunned doctors by surviving coronavirus.
Daphne Shah has beaten all the odds by overcoming the virus after being diagnosed last week.
The St Madoes woman was taken to Ninewells Hospital in Dundee on Thursday and her tests came back positive the following day.
Now back at home, Daphne said: “I had a fine time in the hospital and was well looked after. I made it home in time for tea on Monday.
“My son is looking after me now. I’m feeling reasonably well now, but I don’t want to say too well.
“Having a celebratory party in July sounds like a great idea.”
Son Wes admitted he thought he might never see her again as she left in an ambulance.
With parishioners at Hillbank Evangelical Church in Dundee, where she worships every week, praying for her, it looked like a David versus Goliath battle for five foot tall Daphne.
But the expertise of NHS staff in Dundee, coupled with Daphne’s positive outlook, strong Christian faith and fighting spirit, helped her beat the disease and get home five days later.
Born in Kochi in the south of India in 1921, Daphne moved to Perth in 1980 and to St Madoes 20 years ago after the death of her husband.
Wes noticed her cough, high temperature and difficulty breathing around two weeks ago and called for a doctor to visit.
When the antibiotics she was prescribed weren’t working, Wes turned to his experience volunteering in Perth hospices and quickly realised the infection was viral rather than bacterial.
Daphne was whisked to Ward 11 at Ninewells where she received a level of care Wes said he would only expect “if she was the only patient in the hospital.”
“I was getting calls from the hospital three or four times a day,” he added.
“They are a fantastic outfit and they will do everything they can for you. It’s unbelievable.
“As soon as this is all over, the first place I will go is to Ward 11 to thank everybody.”
After a long weekend in hospital, Daphne arrived back home safe and well having beaten the deadly disease.
While a little disorientated, Daphne is relieved to be back home and happy to hear her cocker spaniels barking again.
Although she is too tired to celebrate just now, Daphne’s family are hoping they can put on a joint party in July when she turns 99 – but admit almost reaching a century might not be the most remarkable part of the celebrations.
