A COUNCILLOR who spent some six weeks in hospital fighting coronavirus has praised the healthcare workers who saved his life.

William Powell, a Powys County Councillor, spent two weeks on a ventilator in an induced coma at Nevill Hall in Abergavenny after showing symptoms of the virus.

He was in intensive care for three weeks in total before being moved to a rehabilitation ward for another three weeks.

Cllr Powell, who represents Talgarth, was discharged from hospital two weeks and made his way to the exit surrounded by NHS workers clapping and cheering him.

He told the Brecon and Radnor Express: “I cannot thank the staff and everyone who contributed to my care enough.

“I owe my life to the Welsh NHS and I am eternally grateful.”

The 54-year-old said: “I cannot speak highly enough of the skill, professionalism and dedication of all of the staff including the team in ICU, the clinicians, doctors, nurses and physios.

“They were absolutely astonishing and there was the most wonderful level of attention and support in the rehab ward.

“The staff were remarkable. Their extraordinary warmth was a very important part of what sustained me.

“There is a phenomenal level of care and dedication at Nevill Hall.”

As he left the hospital, some 130 healthcare workers flanked the corridors to say goodbye to him - a move which left him choked up.

The former languages teacher explained: “That was incredibly humbling. I could not believe it.

“I was aware there would be a small send off, but nothing like that. I had difficulty holding back the tears.

“I was incredibly moved. It choked me up - which is not surprising.

“It was the most humbling experience of my life.”

Cllr Powell admitted it was hard not being able to see his wife and two sons during his stint in Nevill Hall.

He said: “It was very difficult, but I understand why I couldn’t see them.

“I have incredible survivor’s guilt for those who weren’t clapped out of hospital, but instead escorted out in other ways.

“Not everyone made it out the same door.”

His doctor ordered him to go to hospital after having a raging temperature and experiencing muscle aches - and within a few hours of arriving at Nevill Hall he was put on a ventilator in an induced coma.

He said he was dazed and confused when he was taken out of a coma and thought the Queen and Prince Phillip had died.

Cllr Powell revealed it had taken some time for him to put all of the puzzle pieces together in the rehabilitation ward.

The former Assembly Member for Mid and West Wales said he had been touched by the messages of support he and his family had received.

And he didn’t give himself too much of a break after being discharged from hospital. He headed to Talgarth on VE Day for a short wreath laying ceremony.

But he is now resting at home and on a mission to rebuild his stamina, strength and mobility.