Man with Down’s syndrome beats coronavirus and hugs mum after being given day to live

With everything that’s going on right now, it’s nice to hear some good news as a break between all the doom and gloom.

One piece of good news is the story of Ben McCafferty, a man with Down’s syndrome who beat coronavirus after being given a day to live.

The 34-year-old was given 24 hours, but beat the odds and overcame the virus, having an emotional reunion with his family as he left hospital.

Ben left Bradford Royal Infirmary on Saturday after battling coronavirus for over a fortnight, and was finally reunited with his family.

His stepfather Neil was seen on camera at the end of life ward as Ben prepared to leave, and he paid tribute to the ‘exceptional’ NHS staff, saying:”If it wasn’t for them, I don’t think he’d be here now”.

Neil added: “Ben came in a fortnight ago really poorly and we didn’t expect him to survive. We were told the survival rate was going to be very low.

“But with the staff and the help and the support that he has had, he has come through and he looks to be fully fit and raring to go.”

Karen Dawber

Ben headed out of the hospital where his mum Di Margerison was waiting for an emotional surprise reunion after weeks apart – due to coronavirus restrictions Di wasn’t allowed to be in the hospital with her son during treatment.

As Ben thanked staff for everything they did for him, the hospital workers gave him a round of applause.

According to Karen Dawber, head of nursing at Bradford Teaching Hospitals, Ben was put into palliative care as he wasn’t expected to live another 24 hours.

Such an inspirational story, well done Ben!