Sue and Liz from St Helens are among the estimated 1.8 million people in the UK who have been affected by symptoms of Long Covid, which include repeated extreme tiredness or fatigue, shortness of breath, chest pains, heart palpitations, insomnia, dizziness, and joint pains.

Both have since approached local services for support and their stories have been shared to encourage more people to seek help.

Due to her debilitating symptoms, which included breathlessness, constant aches and pains, and tiredness months after being infected, Liz has had to change jobs due to the long-term effects of the illness.

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She said: "I can’t do the things I would have done before Covid.

"I avoid stairs because it makes me too breathless, I sleep more than I used to, and I even had to change my job to a slightly less physical role."

Sue, another resident who suffered from Long Covid, added: "I didn’t know anyone with Long COVID, but I joined a local support group and found others to have the same type of symptoms as me and it was then I realised it was Long Covid.

"After this, I went to my GP who diagnosed me with Long Covid and referred me to the Long COVID Service.

"The Long Covid Service support I’ve had since has been brilliant. I feel understood and listened to.

"The peer group and Long Covid groups are great too as it’s amazing to see so many with similar symptoms, so I feel less alone."

Support available 

The support available includes sessions to help improve breathing, treatment to help manage fatigue and breathlessness, and rehabilitation programmes to help improve overall fitness levels.

Anyone in St Helens borough suffering from suspected Long Covid symptoms should contact their GP.

If you are isolating and need advice or support for food or medication, contact St Helens Together at 01744 676 767.