Man who spent months in Covid coma vows to wed partner

A dad who spent two months in a coma battling coronavirus has vowed to tie the knot with his long term partner.

Brian Fernie, 46, spent 67 days in ICU at University Hospital Hairmyres in East Kilbride, South Lanarkshire – 61 of which he was in an induced coma and on a ventilator.

However, Brian is now on the mend and is set to marry his long term partner, Lisa McCutcheon, after his Covid battle convinced him not to waste any more time.

The pair, who have been together for 22 year, are planning to get married in Gretna Green in June, if restriction allow.

Brian was also delighted to discover he’s going to be a grandfather – after his daughter Brooke Fernie, 20, surprised him by sending him her baby scan.

Brian Fernie holding a card with his daughter's baby scan. — Brian Fernie holding a card with his daughter’s baby scan.

Dad-of-two Brain, a window installer, lost four stone in hospital after contracting Covid-19 in November, and said he couldn’t even lift a finger when he woke from his coma.

With the help of hospital staff he has been moved from the ICU onto a ward where he managed to stand unaided for the first time this week and walk a few steps with a frame.

Brian, from Cambuslang, said: “I have mild asthma but I was fit and healthy before I got the virus in November – I’m a window installer so I was very active.

“But I lost four stone while I was in ICU and my muscles are severely weakened.

“When I woke up I couldn’t even lift a finger.

“All the staff have been fantastic and I’m now working with the physiotherapists to get back on my feet.

“This week I’ve managed to stand unaided for the first time and I’m able to walk a few steps using a walking frame.

“I’ve put a stone in weight back on and I’m feeling positive about the future, although I know it will take time to recover.”

Brian and Lisa, who have another daughter, Ellie Fernie, 16, said the experience convinced them to tie the knot.

Brian said: “We’ve booked Gretna Green for early June.

“If Covid restrictions allow, we’ll marry there and head off to Thailand for our honeymoon.”

His daughter Brooke had been planning to tell her dad she was pregnant before he fell ill but didn’t get the chance.

‘This is a life-changing illness so I’d urge folk to get the vaccine – I certainly will when I can.’
Brian Fernie

Brian is now looking forward to welcoming his grandchild in May, adding: “Brooke was going to tell me she was pregnant but she didn’t get a chance before I fell ill.

“So she surprised me by sending me a card with the baby scan after I was moved out of ICU.

“I opened it while I was on a video call with the family, so they could see how delighted I was when I found out.”

Brian’s now encouraging everyone to follow the covid guidance and get the vaccine when it’s offered.

He said: “This is a life-changing illness so I’d urge folk to get the vaccine – I certainly will when I can.”

University Hospital Hairmyres chief of nursing services Lise Axford said: “We’re all delighted to see Brian’s rehab going well and would like to congratulate him on becoming a grandad and on his upcoming wedding.

“Our dedicated staff have done a remarkable job caring for him over a lengthy period in ICU and since he has moved onto the ward.”