A heart attack survivor has urged people not let the Covid-19 prevent them from seeking medical help after she almost ignored mild symptoms of a chest problem, and ended up with a triple-bypass.

Melanie Connell, 54, from Erwarton, described how she experienced a raw sensation in her chest but no real pain, no sweating, no pain in the arms but within 15 minutes the feeling passed in back as a dull ache

Due to health issues within both sides of her family, Melanie decided to get checked out and husband Michael drove her to Ipswich Hospital.

"It was a good thing I did because by 2pm next day I was told I had had a heart attack and I was sent to

Melanie told Mark Murphy on his Radio Suffolk Breakfast Show this morning. "Then three weeks ago I had a triple by-pass, I'm not one to do things by half.

"The good thing is there is no damage to the heart muscle and the rest of the plumbing is fine."

Melanie, a Shotley Drama Group stalwart, active member of the Village Hall Management Committee and former Shotley parish councillor, admitted she briefly had concerns about going to hospital due to the coronavirus pandemic, but her fears were soon allayed.

She said: "It was something to think about but because of the health history of my family we thought it best to get checked out.

"It was a bit of a tearful parting because Michael was not allowed in.

"When I went in A&E was deserted but everyone was fantastic. "In Everybody had masks, gloves gown apron then disposed of

"If anyone is worried, please don't be because they are so careful.

"Women tend to suffer less severe symptoms, and in my case no actual pain.

"We women tend to put these things off, we have too much to do, the kids to look after, but please don't.

"I spoke to the nurses and they told me 'please don't be embarrassed, we would rather send you home with a bottle of indigestion remedy, than see you back in a few days with a serious heart attack'."

Melanie is recovering at her Erwaton home and added: "I'm feeling pretty good. A bit creaky, achey and rattely from about 30 tablets a day but I'm alive.

"Thank you to our fabulous NHS, they were just completely amazing and words cannot express how grateful I am to them.

"And also, thanks to my wonderful, wonderful husband who has been amazing."

Call your GP or 111 for non-urgent medical help, or 999 in an emergency.