Anti-vaxxer father-of-three, 52, who nearly died in hospital from Covid celebrates return home by getting jabbed and tells others not to 'make the same mistakes' as him

  • Andrew Pugh, 52, had refused to get the jab after being taken in by conspiracies
  • The popular binman even bragged about being 'a hero' for not being vaccinated
  • The father-of-three finally realised its severity when he was struck down with it
  • He was rushed to Royal Worcestershire Hospital's intensive care unit but he lived
  • After six weeks, he returned home and was thrilled finally to get himself jabbed

By James Gant For Mailonline

Published: | Updated:

An anti-vaxxer who begged people not to 'make the same mistakes' as him after he almost died of Covid has celebrated coming home - by getting jabbed.

Andrew Pugh, 52, initially refused to get the vaccine after being taken in by conspiracy theories he read on Facebook.

The popular binman even bragged about being 'a hero' for not being jabbed despite his partner of 20 years begging him to take the virus seriously.

The father-of-three finally realised the severity of it when he was struck down last month after he started struggling for breath.

He was rushed to Royal Worcestershire Hospital's intensive care unit on December 5 and his family warned he had a 50/50 chance of survival.

While he was in hospital he posted poignant videos on Facebook describing his battle with the virus.

After six weeks, Mr Pugh has finally returned home to Worcester and said he was thrilled finally to get vaccinated.

An anti-vaxxer who begged people not to 'make the same mistakes' as him after he almost died of Covid has celebrated coming home - by getting jabbed

An anti-vaxxer who begged people not to 'make the same mistakes' as him after he almost died of Covid has celebrated coming home - by getting jabbed

He said: 'I got released from hospital and the very first thing I did was have my jab. It's a huge relief to have the jab.

'I don't want anyone else to go through what I have put my family through. If I had my time again I would definitely have had the vaccine as soon as it was available.'

Despite being vaccinated, Mr Pugh faces a gruelling road ahead as he battles long Covid. He added: 'Every day is a struggle - it still takes my breath away.

'Since being home, I have had to learn breathing techniques to help to every day tasks. You have to really calm yourself down.

'Even walking up the stairs is still a massive challenge for me. The doctors did tell me it could around four to six weeks to start feeling better.

'I still have breathing apparatus at home which is a struggle sometimes and I am still constantly coughing.

Andrew Pugh, 52, spent three weeks at Worcestershire Royal Hospital after catching the virus at the start of December

Andrew Pugh, 52, spent three weeks at Worcestershire Royal Hospital after catching the virus at the start of December

At one point during the ordeal, Mr Pugh could barely eat, sleep or walk and received the majority of his oxygen through a full-faced mask as friends and family feared the worst

At one point during the ordeal, Mr Pugh could barely eat, sleep or walk and received the majority of his oxygen through a full-faced mask as friends and family feared the worst

Mr Pugh's girlfriend was warned by doctors it was a 'fifty-fifty' chance he would survive, as the ward began to fill up and he could overhear nearby ventilators being switched off

Mr Pugh's girlfriend was warned by doctors it was a 'fifty-fifty' chance he would survive, as the ward began to fill up and he could overhear nearby ventilators being switched off

But the former anti-vaxxer has begged fellow jab-sceptics to get their shots after his brush with death

But the former anti-vaxxer has begged fellow jab-sceptics to get their shots after his brush with death

'That being said, it has being lovely to be back at home. I've been able to see my children, grandchildren and family.

'They are spoiling me - taking me out places and really looking after me. It is great to be back with my family.

'I am a father of three and a grandfather of eight so I want to spend as much time with them as possible now.

'We're planning to go a visit some places with kids and grandchildren, as a family. Knowing that you could have lost your life, it puts everything into prospective.

'With this time off, I am going to treasure it.'

Mr Pugh is now determined to use his experience to persuade others to get vaccinated.

He said: 'I didn't get the vaccine, I thought I was being the hero. If it wasn't for the nurses and the fact I'm a non-smoker I wouldn't be alive.

'My message is simply this: please people get your vaccinations, you don't want to end up like me.

'When you're dead and all your family are heartbroken you can't turn around and say 'I wish I had the vaccine'.

'This is very real and people need to get their jabs. If I can help others to get vaccinated now, that would be great.'

He added: 'I've put my family through sheer hell. I was being so selfish, it's woken me up.'

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