Jennifer and “Fluffy” reunited in time for Easter despite Coronavirus

21st Apr 2020

A sister to two siblings has been reunited with her cat Fluffy after her battle with COVID-19.

Jennifer Benjamin, aged 56 from Handsworth is on the mend after contracting Coronavirus on Monday 6 April.

Jennifer said: “I was having difficulty breathing and also had a higher temperature than normal. I thought I would initially be able to sleep it off and feel better in the morning but this was not the case.

Jennifer’s health deteriorated massively on the evening of Sunday 5 April and as a result, she decided to call an ambulance on the following day as she was concerned about her health.

She would spend a total of two days in our care at City Hospital before being discharged after recovery.

“The 48 hours I spent in hospital were very daunting as I didn’t know if I would ever see my family and my cat, Fluffy, again after entering the ambulance from my home in Handsworth.”

She added: “I must praise all the staff who went above and beyond in caring for me and all the patients in my ward. From doctors to nurses, throughout my whole patient journey, I was treated with kindness which is all anyone can ask when you’re not feeling well. Everyone working in the hospital was truly amazing whilst empathetic and more importantly a calming influence on me.”

Jennifer was discharged on Wednesday 8 April just in time for Easter and was able to enjoy it with her cat.

“I’ve still got a way to get back to my brighter self but being back home with Fluffy makes me feel grateful and I think she appreciates having me back too. I’m slowly starting to feel more and more like myself that is for sure.”

Though Jennifer is a lot better than she was, she still thinks it is important that social distancing is followed so that key workers can continue to do their job meaning we can flatten the curve and reduce the rate the virus can spread.

“The public should not take COVID-19 lightly. You can’t see it but it is real and it is taking lives so it is crucial that people don’t put themselves in harm’s way unnecessarily. It’s a short term sacrifice I feel we all have to make in terms of only making essential journeys but it could save thousands of lives across the borough.”

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