Father, 47, who sent heartbreaking ‘last goodbye’ to his wife and son after horror crash finally returns home 20 months later after battling Covid during recovery
- Nick Copson, 47, survived a head-on car crash near Witton-le-Wear, Co. Durham
- Had both legs amputated and overcame sepsis, infections and organ failure
- Moved to a rehabilitation care home where he tested positive for coronavirus
- But he beat the virus and is now back with his family starting recovery
A man who survived a near-fatal crash and then battled Covid-19 has finally returned home nearly 20 months after his accident.
Nick Copson, 47, originally from Woodland, near Bishop Auckland, had to have both legs amputated after he survived a head-on smash near Witton-le-Wear on the A68 in September 2018.
He also overcame sepsis, multi organ failure, a fungal blood infection, kidney dialysis, blood clots and grade four bedsores.
Nick finally left hospital in October 2019 and moved into a rehabilitation care home to continue his recovery before eventually coming home.
Nick Copson, 47, originally from Woodland, near Bishop Auckland, had to have both legs amputated after he survived a head-on smash near Witton-le-Wear on the A68 in September 2018
During this time the outbreak of Covid-19 was announced and his care home went into lockdown.
His wife decided to stay with him but at the end of March the couple started exhibiting symptoms linked to coronavirus.
Nick was tested for Covid-19 which came back positive, and it was deemed his wife also had it as they had the same symptoms.
They quarantined together and managed to beat the virus.
Nick was finally discharged from the care home in May after staying there for seven months.
However just a week after moving into his temporary bungalow in Eaglescliffe, he was back in hospital with sepsis.
But when he moved to a rehabilitation care home to start his recovery, he and wife Nikki tested positive for coronavirus and had to battle the infection together
The couple are now back home and have settled into their temporary accommodation while their new home is being built.
Nick said: ‘Though my recovery journey is nowhere near complete and I am still horizontally bed bound, coming home is a massive step.
‘It’s a huge milestone for me as it means my family can spend more time with me as well as living a new normal life.
‘The current Covid requirements aren’t allowing my wider family and friends to visit yet however we will be having big celebrations when they are allowed.
‘My wife has and continues to be my rock, always by my side every day ensuring my care needs are adhered to.
Nick said: ‘Though my recovery journey is nowhere near complete and I am still horizontally bed bound, coming home is a massive step’
‘There were times when I thought this time wouldn’t come, but those that supported my journey have really made the difference.
‘My recovery to date has taken hundreds of people to get me this far.
‘A huge thank you to the firefighters of Green Watch from Bishop Auckland Fire Station, paramedics from North East Ambulance Service along with the HART team, Durham Constabulary, blood donors and the biggest thank you goes to the Great North Air Ambulance paramedics and doctors who ensured my survival. I owe you my life.
‘The list continues with all those within the ICU 2 at James Cook, individuals within the spinal unit, they know who they are. Then on to those individuals within the rehabilitation centre, they too know who they are.
‘The support now continues with the district nurses and most importantly my spinal care managers, and my wife Nikki.
‘All of this wouldn’t be possible without GNAAS, your support is so valuable, please donate.’
Nick and Nikki are now taking on a cycling challenge to raise money for GNAAS.
They will both be cycling 100 miles, Nikki on her exercise bike, and Nick on his hand bike.