Five years on from COVID, one survivor reflects on having to fight for his life

A Survivor’s Story: Mark Hammersley’s Battle with COVID-19

Mark Hammersley is a living testament to resilience and hope. Standing in the Welsh sun, he exudes health and vitality, his broad smile and outstretched hand a welcoming gesture that belies the trauma he once endured. Yet, just over five years ago, his life hung in the balance as he fought a desperate battle against COVID-19 in an intensive care unit (ICU). The memory of his struggle remains etched in the minds of those who witnessed it, a stark reminder of the virus’s relentless grip during the pandemic’s peak.

In October 2020, during the second wave of the pandemic, Mark was admitted to Warrington Hospital after falling ill while moving house. At 57, his underlying health conditions—diabetes and being overweight—put him at significant risk. The first 24 hours were critical, and Mark was largely unresponsive, relying on a CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machine to breathe. The image of him in the ICU, wearing a breathing mask connected to the machine, is one that remains deeply ingrained. His voice, barely audible over the constant beeping of life-saving devices, reflected his fragile state. “I’ve got diabetes and I’m overweight, so those are my risk factors,” he said at the time. “So, to be honest, it’s still early days.”

Despite his optimism, the reality was dire. Mark’s doctors were unsure if he would survive the night, and they had even warned his wife that his chances were slim. However, instead of placing him on a ventilator—a decision that often led to grim outcomes for COVID patients—they opted for the CPAP machine. This critical decision, Mark believes, was what ultimately saved his life. The CPAP machine worked to keep his airways open, preventing them from narrowing or collapsing, and allowing his body to fight the infection without the need for more invasive intervention.

Five years on, Mark is still grappling with the long-term effects of his illness. He has been told that his lungs are scarred, though they continue to function normally—for now. The road to recovery has been long and arduous. For 18 months after his hospitalization, Mark experienced severe muscular pain, making even simple tasks, like putting on a shirt, a challenge. Yet, despite these lingering health issues, he remains deeply grateful for a second chance at life. His gratitude is palpable, a testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of overwhelming adversity.

Mark’s story is a poignant reminder of the stark realities of COVID-19. In the ICU bed next to him was an elderly grandmother, also reliant on a CPAP machine. Despite her optimism and alertness during their initial meeting, she tragically passed away shortly after. Mark is deeply aware of how fragile life can be and how fortunate he is to have survived. His journey serves as a powerful testament to the enduring impact of the pandemic, both on individuals and society as a whole.

The Broader Impact of the Pandemic

The UK will soon mark the five-year anniversary of the COVID-19 pandemic, a global crisis that began in late 2019 and spread rapidly around the world. By March 2020, the virus had already begun to disrupt life as we knew it, leading to widespread lockdowns, economic shutdowns, and unprecedented strain on healthcare systems. In England and Wales alone, an estimated 180,000 people lost their lives to the virus between March 2020 and July 2022, according to data from The King’s Fund. The pandemic touched every corner of society, leaving no one untouched.

The UK government has designated a Day of Reflection to honor the lives lost, acknowledge the profound impact of the pandemic on daily life, and pay tribute to the frontline workers who risked their lives to care for the sick and keep communities safe. This moment of remembrance is a chance for the nation to reflect on the shared experience of the past five years and the lessons learned during one of the darkest periods in modern history. For survivors like Mark Hammersley, it is also an opportunity to express gratitude for the medical teams who fought tirelessly to save lives and to acknowledge the enduring scars that the pandemic has left behind.

Reflecting on the Pandemic’s Legacy

As the world moves forward, the legacy of the pandemic continues to shape our lives. For many, the memories of lockdowns, mask-wearing, and social distancing are beginning to fade, but for others, the effects remain deeply personal. Long COVID, a condition characterized by persistent symptoms months or even years after infection, has become a defining feature of the pandemic’s aftermath. Mark’s experience of lung scarring and prolonged muscular pain is not unique; millions worldwide are still grappling with the physical and emotional toll of the virus.

The pandemic also laid bare the resilience and solidarity of humanity. Neighbors checked on one another, strangers became friends through acts of kindness, and healthcare workers went above and beyond to care for the sick, even in the face of overwhelming odds. The National COVID Memorial Wall in London, adorned with thousands of hearts painted by those who lost loved ones, stands as a poignant reminder of the lives lost and the collective grief endured. It also serves as a testament to the strength of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable loss.

As we reflect on the past five years, it is important to honor the memories of those who did not survive and to acknowledge the ongoing challenges faced by survivors like Mark. The pandemic may be retreating, but its impact will be felt for years to come. It is through stories of hope, resilience, and gratitude that we can begin to heal and rebuild, carrying forward the lessons of a global crisis that changed the world forever.

In the end, Mark Hammersley’s story is one of survival and hope. His journey serves as a reminder that even in the darkest moments, there is always a way forward. As we look to the future, it is this spirit of resilience and gratitude that will guide us as we navigate the complexities of a post-pandemic world.