A 93-YEAR-OLD great-grandmother who has previously had cancer, heart attacks, a stroke, bronchitis, and pneumonia, has beaten coronavirus and is returning home.

Maria Antoniette Konarska, of Sully, was admitted to Llandough Hospital on March 23, with a cough and some breathing difficulties.

Mrs Konarska was then tested for Covid-19, diagnosed with the life-threatening condition, and put into isolation on 100 per cent oxygen.

She was transferred to Barry Hospital on April 24, where she has been recovering on the Sam Davies ward.

A retired chef, she volunteered, reading story time books in Sully Primary School when her grandchildren were young.

She attended the Palmerston Adult Education Centre in her mid-80s, where she did her ECDL and she learned about ancestry in Barry Library.

She was a member of Barry Ladies Choir for more than 20 years and, as a staunch Roman Catholic, she has attended St Helen’s RC Church, in Barry, since 1984, singing in the choir every week.

When she became ill, Mrs Konarska was admitted to the assessment unit.

Her daughter Teresa Smolinski said: “She was taken into isolation immediately and on 100 per cent oxygen as she was finding breathing a bit labouring.

“Mum was poorly for a few weeks.

“However, after two weeks she was getting stronger, eating, and drinking.

“Some doctors were Facetiming so she could see me which I know boosted her and us.

“She slowly improved so much so that at five weeks she was medical fit, and moved by ambulance to Barry Hospital, Sam Davies ward.

“The occupational therapists are working on her stamina in walking.

“She is now due home end of this week”.

Mrs Smolinski said she felt complete shock on hearing the diagnosis.

“But in my heart, and I told the doctor that called me, ‘Don’t worry she’s coming home as nothing beats my mum. She is as strong as an ox. He said: ‘that’s the attitude’.

“She has had bronchitis, pneumonia, two heart attacks, two hip replacements, skin cancer, bowel cancer – all clear.

“Five years ago she had a TIA and a full stroke. She recovered – that’s how I knew she would come home

“She says she has a good life, but just wishes her legs moved better.

“She’s got good friends, neighbours and family. She also said to me: ‘When my time comes don’t be sad because I’ve had a good life and been blessed’.

“She thinks determination and being dam right stubborn has got her through.”

The family plan a get-together when able.