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Home Canterbury News Article
A pregnant mum battling coronavirus says her unborn son is helping her "push herself" to beat the deadly infection.
Karen Mannering was diagnosed with Covid-19 on Wednesday and in a heartbreaking video from her hospital bed told how she had pneumonia in both of her lungs.
Karen has posted another video about her struggle
With a breathing tube in her nose, she told how she was fighting for her and her baby's life, describing the battle as "horrendous".
But the 39-year-old from Herne Bay - who is expecting a son in June - is now making "small steps" in her recovery from the virus, which has tragically claimed 578 lives in the UK.
"The nurses are encouraging me and telling me I need to do this for me and my son," she said.
"So this is me managing to sit up; only for a minute, but it’s a start.
"If I can just do a minute every now and then I will get stronger. I’m now off the oxygen for the first time in five days."
In a second video posted on her Facebook page, the beauty therapist gave further updates on her condition.
With the breathing tube now gone, she fights to speak as she sits up in bed for the first time in two days.
"I've now come off the oxygen and this is my breathing now," she said.
"It is absolutely incredible. This is me sitting up after a minute. It's unbelievable.
"I have to do this now - push myself, because I've got to do this for me and the baby, I've got to."
Mum-of-three Mrs Mannering works at Hot-Tees Tanning Salon in Sturry Road, Canterbury.
It has posted on its Facebook page: "To all of are customers at hot-tees we regret to inform you that 1 of are members have been tested positive for COVID-19.
"Please be safe and if you receive any of the symptoms please ring for medical advice."
The UK government has classed expectant mothers as those among the "vulnerable" group at risk of Covid-19.
Professor Chris Whitty, England's Chief Medical Officer, said that including pregnant women in this group was a "precautionary measure" as experts are "early in our understanding of this virus".
For the latest coronavirus news and advice, click here.
