A FATHER-of-three from Redditch who nearly died after contracting Covid-19 will scale Snowdon for the hospice which supported his family.

Last year, Leighton Webster spent 75 days fighting for his life in Alexandra Hospital - with his family being supported by Primrose Hospice after being told to 'expect the worst’.

After a long and hard road to recovery, Mr Webster will now fulfil a bedside promise he made to one of the nurses to climb a mountain together and get a picture at the summit.

He will be doing this for the hospice which provided support to his eldest daughter Chloe, aged 11, and wife Emma.

Redditch Advertiser: Mr Webster leaving hospital with his children Mr Webster leaving hospital with his children

Mr Webster, aged 43, said: “My eldest Chloe knew what was going on and is really close to me so for her I think it wouldn’t have been just losing a dad but a best friend too.

“While I was in hospital she had calls with Sophie from Primrose and was able to go to her own area and speak openly about things she wouldn’t want to put on her mum.

“Finding out they were providing such great support while I was in so ill hospital is why I wanted to give something back.

“I hadn’t needed to use Primrose before so I didn’t know much about the place but they were there for my family when they needed it and I want to say thank you.”

The inspiration for the walk came after a childhood friend happened to work at Alexandra Hospital and made a promise to Mr Webster.

Redditch Advertiser: Mr Webster a year on from his Covid battle Mr Webster a year on from his Covid battle

Now the pair, along with Chloe, and other members of staff from hospital will take on the challenge of climbing Snowdon on Saturday, June 19.

Mr Webster, who is also father to Skye and Noah, added: “One of the nurses who looked after me I knew from when I was 13 and part of trying to pick me up he turned around to me and said we’d do a walk up a mountain one of these days and get a photo at the top.

“I said ‘I’ll hold you to that’ so when I left hospital they kept their promise and we put the plan into action.”

“I will think about getting to the top of Snowdon and taking that picture with the staff that helped me.

“That will be a picture I keep in a frame by my bedside.”

Redditch Advertiser: Mr Webster and his son Noah Mr Webster and his son Noah

Lucy Perkins, community fundraiser for Primrose, said: “Leighton’s story just highlights what a vital charity Primrose is.

“He is a fit and healthy man who didn’t expect to become so ill but while he was in hospital, we were able to provide emotional support to his family.

“Leighton’s diagnosis was bleak so we were all so very happy when he miraculously managed to pull through and so pleased we could support the family at such a tough time.

“We wish Leighton all the best with his challenge and very much look forward to seeing that picture of him having conquered Snowdon.”

To sponsor Mr Webster, people can visit justgiving.com/fundraising/leighton-bluewarrior.