Great-grandad Eddie, 88, out of hospital after beating coronavirus

A former Wigan army medic has been hailed a beacon of hope after successfully fighting off coronavirus in hospital.
Eddie Moss with his late wife HildaEddie Moss with his late wife Hilda
Eddie Moss with his late wife Hilda

Eddie Moss, 88, who used to work for the Wigan Post, spent 10 days in Wigan Infirmary having come down with Covid-19 and, given his age, relatives feared the worse.

But the pensioner, nicknamed “Eddie the Eagle”, battled through and has now been judged well enough to return to his Wigan care home.

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He was admitted to Standish Ward with a cough and ‘not feeling himself’, which is common in older patients and he had already been through a difficult 12 months after developing health problems and losing his wife of 64 years, Hilda, last June.

The great-grandad who grew up in Scholes, spent most of his life living in Leigh but is now a resident of Ash Tree House in Hindley, has been unable to see his daughter, son and grandchildren, for the last eight weeks, due to lockdown rules, and was unable to communicate with loved ones while he was being treated.

But today relieved family said they were proud of Eddie’s bravery following his hospital discharge after 10 days.

They praised the “caring” staff at Ash Tree House who are continuing to look after him as he recovers from the virus, and are hoping to see Eddie on a video chat from the home as soon as he is up to it.

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Daughter Jan Beaumont, who performs with local band The Hats, said: “Dad is our world, he’s been through so much in the last year and we really worried about whether he would have the strength to fight off the virus. But once again he has shown his fighting spirit. We are so proud of him.”

Granddaughter Stef Hall, from Atherton, added: “We’re a very close family and in normal circumstances Grandad would have had his family at his bedside.

“It was very difficult not to be able to see him during this time, especially for my children Calum and Poppy who are very close to him - and potentially not knowing whether we would see him again.

“It’s heart-breaking that so many other families have lost loved ones and have not been able to be with them in their final moments and we were terrified we would face the same situation.

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“But we should have learned by now not to underestimate him, he is a fighter!

“We can’t describe how blessed we feel that he is recovering, and even though we still can’t visit him, we know he is safe and well looked after by Ash Tree’s staff.”

Eddie, whose varied career also included being a postman and railway fireman for British Rail, as well as in the Post’s distribution unit at Martland Mill said: “I am recovering and very happy to be back here. I’m just glad to see you all!.”

Home manager Chris Durnan said: “I can’t put into words how happy we are to have ‘Steady’ (Eddie) back at Ash Tree House.

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“He is a big character in the home and we are very glad to be able to help him get back on his feet and enjoying doing the things he loves around the home such as singing and bingo! I hope his return has given everyone the reassurance that this can be beaten.”

Eddie did not have need of a ventilator or have to go into intensive care during his hospital stay.