Portrait of Isolation - Recovery

Chik is one of the participants on the Q&A – I first talked to him not long after he was discharged from Papworth having recovered from Covid. His story is best portrayed in his own words.

This poem below sums up his experience – but also his anger at his treatment – that was symptomatic of much that was wrong with our initial response Covid. The painting references elements of his experience:

- The initial confusion as the epidemic took control

- His treatment from the amazing staff at Papworth

- The strength he drew from his Rugby playing

- The Gara is emblematic of his Sierra Leonean ancestry.

Survived.....Needlessly died by Chikezie Knox-Macaulay

I lay

To catch a breath

But the words echo

From Doctor Death.

Over 20 years NHS worked

Each year many lives saved

But that fateful day, March 23rd

My life was nearly paid

Management consumed in a panic

I was thrust into the unknown

Now lying in ICU, Papworth

No family, all alone

God alone knows

Why I survived

Ancestors? Rugby? Sheer will?

Not to ever forget those, who needlessly died

Fight, to stay alive

Fight, against those whose lied

Fight, for family justice

Fight, for every soul that needlessly died