A COVID-19 survivor received an emotional guard of honour from staff as he left Winchester hospital’s intensive care unit following 42 days fighting for his life.

Tika Purja was greeted by applause and cheers as he left the Royal Hampshire County Hospital, alongside his family.

A video leaving the hospital showed healthcare staff who had been involved in his recovery getting together to celebrate him being able to go home with the help of his family.

He said: “Thank you, thank you very much, everybody is amazing.”

Mr Purja was also treated on the Freshfield and St Cross wards.