Hollie runs half marathon for My WiSH after partner treated for Covid-19 at West Suffolk Hospital

It’s been a roller coaster ride over the past few months for Hollie Page and her fiancé Alan Simons as the couple have had to face the daunting prospect of one of them being treated at the West Suffolk Hospital after contracting Covid-19.

Alan, a detective constable with Suffolk Police, ended up on the critical care unit and is still living with long Covid while gradually returning to duty.

The 37-year-old was left fighting for his life but thanks to the dedicated care of hospital staff he is now slowly recovering.

So, inspired by the treatment of her partner Hollie, who is a keen runner, decided to try and raise money for the unit and took part in the Colchester Half Marathon back in May raising an incredible £1,671,25.

She clocked up a time of 1 hour 58 minutes which she was “delighted” with and explained how Alan came to be admitted to the Bury St Edmunds hospital.

“He was in a very poorly way with Covid and quite simply the care he had at the hospital saved his life,” she said.

It was the middle of December when they both contracted the illness and Alan then progressively went “down hill” said 42-year-old Hollie.

He was advised to go to the hospital where he was admitted and after 24 hours was moved to the critical care unit on Christmas Eve. He was eventually discharged on January 6.

Hollie, who is group account director for a digital marketing agency in Ipswich, said: “It wasn’t just about the treatment and care, the team also went above and beyond to support him emotionally and mentally and they also did the same for me.

“During one of the scariest times in my life doctors and nurses were always reassuring, calming and they were there to help me when I needed them.

“I can honestly say that I don’t know how I should have gotten through that time without them and I am forever thankful to them bringing Als home to me safe and sound. They were incredible people.”

The couple, who live in Stowmarket, are planning to wed next year, and Hollie added: “He is still recovering but we have a long road ahead of us but he is making leaps and bounds. It’s just baby steps and I cannot fault the West Suffolk, they have the best care that you can have.”

Sally Daniels, fundraising manager for My WiSH, said: “It was a pleasure to meet Hollie and Alan and see them reunited with Miguel and Owen who were both a huge part of his recovery. The total raised by Hollie is incredible and will be used to help support patients and their families who need to use the critical care unit so it will make such a difference to so many others just like them”.