A patient who recovered from coronavirus has thanked an intensive care unit nurse for the care she provided him when he was battling the disease.

Steve Heywood, 52, from Colindale, was rushed to Barnet Hospital struggling with respiratory failure.

The dad, who works as an MOT tester, was taken into intensive care where he was treated.

Mr Heywood has paid a special tribute to nurse Florence Shabangu, who he called his 'Ice Queen'.

He says all of the hospital staff had showed "utter professionalism, dedication and kindness" but it was Ms Shabangu in particular who he believed helped him turn the corner on fighting the virus.

He described how the nurse brought him a zip lock bag full of frozen water which he was able to use to cool down his body and help him with his uncontrollable thirst.

Mr Heywood said: "That bag was worth more to me than any bar of gold. It was very scary and there were times I thought I wasn’t going to make it.

"Florence was amazing – she was always happy and dancing – she totally lifted my spirits.

"We should support our nurses because they are risking their own lives to save us."

Ms Shabangu, who has three children and has worked at Barnet Hospital for seven years, said: "I’m so glad that Steve is recovering and that I was able to make a difference.

"As a nurse I’m always looking for ways to help my patients and if there is something that I can do, I do it. I always feel for the patient and will do anything in my power to help them."