A STAR of a hard-hitting grassroots film has spoken out about her experience with long covid and how difficult it was to lose her independence.

Marium Zameer, 20, found herself on a ventilator in hospital after she caught Covid in May 2020. Marium had no underlying health conditions but was severely impacted by covid and spent a number of days in hospital.

She described herself as ‘lucky’ for ‘being given a second chance at life’ and reflected on the loss of her grandad who was admitted to hospital the same night but sadly didn’t make it.

Marium, who featured in Young in Covid, said: “Covid isn’t something small, it’s had a huge impact on a number of peoples’ lives, and it took away my independence for a while.

“I couldn’t do simple daily activities like climbing the stairs, doing the dishes because I just couldn’t stand for that long.

“To be stripped of your independence when you’re quite young is difficult because though I had support, I didn’t want it, I wanted to be able to do it by myself.

“I had aches and pains for a really long time and sleep was non-existent, it really did impact my life.

“I know a lot of people suffered in lockdown, many with their mental health, but for me the toughest part was not being able to leave home because I physically couldn’t go on walks or move around.

Now, after recovering from Covid, Marium has spoken about her experience on national television and helped give a voice to young people who have also suffered from Covid.

When asked about the government loosening restrictions Marium felt that restrictions should be kept in place to some degree.

“We need to take precautions and we need to be responsible.

“We have a duty of care to each other as humans and we need to make the calls ourselves to protect other people.

“With the mixed messages from the government, I think people are just going to do whatever they feel is right.

“It’s difficult to navigate and in a sense, we’re just assuming that these new variants aren’t going to be as harmful but it’s up to each person to make the call.”

Marium has taken her story to a national audience, but she can’t believe the response she’s had.

“People have said that I’m doing a good job representing Bradford on a national level and at first I didn’t comprehend how big it actually was.

“A few minutes before the Prime Minister was speaking and then it cut to me, which was amazing.

“I’m glad I’ve been presented with these opportunities to give a voice to young people and represent my home city on national television.”