A MOTHER and daughter threw their arms around one another after being separated for more than two weeks due to coronavirus.

Lily Kitcher, 17, was without her mum for a “traumatic” 16-day stretch as she fought the illness in hospital.

Staff at Eastbourne District General Hospital battled to get her back to full health as she endured eight days in intensive care and a further eight days in the Jevington ward, which specialises in respiratory conditions.

Thanks to the tireless efforts of healthcare workers, Lily beat the disease and was finally reunited with her mother.

Staff lined the corridors of the hospital and applauded as her wheelchair was pushed through the hallways and towards the front door of the building, where her mother Trudi was waiting to greet her.

Trudi said: “As a parent I can’t express how heart wrenching it is not to see your child when they are desperately ill in hospital with Covid-19.

“The critical care unit were great, they gave us their direct number and we were reassured we could ring anytime day or night.

“They recognised how difficult it was for me to not be with Lily, but we were still able to text her messages of love and support as they allowed her to have her phone. As her dad is deaf, this was so important to him and we were grateful for this.

“Once she was unable to communicate due to being ventilated, the nurses would put the phone to her ear when I called, so we could talk and tell her how much we loved and missed her.

“And knowing that someone was by Lily’s side, often holding her hand, meant so much.”

Lily could not speak highly enough of her carers, with her only complaint being that she was not being able to see “all the hunky doctors behind their masks”.

Hospital workers also posted a knitted heart to Lily’s family, and informed them that Lily had a similar item which she kept with her at the hospital.

Trudi said: “It was a symbol of connection and affection at a time when we were apart, which was a really lovely gesture. We are so very very grateful for their care, especially when faced with so many extra challenges due to the virus.”

Lily also thanked those who had cared for her during this tumultuous time.

She said: “All of the nurses and doctors were so lovely and so incredible.

“They made me feel very safe in such a scary environment. I’m so grateful to them all, doing everything they could to make me as comfortable as possible and explain as much as they could have despite a constant confusion in my mind.

“I really do not doubt that, without their incredible care and the amazing kindness of the staff who looked after me, things might have be worse.

“I don’t believe that people realise the impact of Covid-19, especially young people.

“Nobody is immune and it can affect anyone. I don’t understand why you wouldn’t stay at home or follow the rules to give yourself and your loved ones a fighting chance to steer clear of this virus.

She continued: “Gatherings can wait. Better to not meet knowing everyone is safe and healthy, than to meet and put everyone at risk. It’s not worth risking it. I’m so grateful for the care I have received. The NHS is an amazing thing. I hope no one takes it for granted.”