‘My mask was full of tears the last time I saw my father ...then he died on his own’
THE son of a coronavirus victim has labelled it the “cruellest disease” for targeting the frail – and leaving their families unable to be with them at the end.
Jonathan Blakeley, whose dad Darrell, 88, died on Friday, said he became infected at a birthday party attended by someone who had recently returned from Italy and failed to self-isolate.
Darrell had initially been admitted into hospital with sepsis on March 3 but died in isolation three days after being diagnosed with coronavirus.
His body was immediately placed in an airtight container so his loved ones could not say a final goodbye. Jonathan said: “Covid-19 is the cruellest disease I could ever imagine. Not for the physical effects that are bad enough, but for the mental anguish that goes with it.
“I just mentioned to the nurse he might have had contact with someone who had coronavirus – she put him in isolation and I didn’t see him for eight days.”
Jonathan, an only child, was then allowed to visit his dad, who initially tested negative for the disease at North Manchester General Hospital.
But Jonathan had to wear a hazmat suit, mask and gloves each time. He told ITV News: “I could only be with my dad for
15 minutes because my mask was full of tears. The final time I saw him was four hours before his death and I was so shocked because he just couldn’t breathe properly. His lungs were filling with fluid and rattling.
“I said, ‘What a lovely March day it is,’ and he said, ‘I hope to be out in three days.’ He called my name twice before I left the room but I couldn’t go back in because I’d already degowned.
“I’ll never know what he wanted me for.” Jonathan added: “I’ll never see my father
again, because he is forever sealed in that airtight container.
“And he’ll be placed in a coffin and that will be sealed.”
He also urged younger people to beware of spreading the virus to “your gran, your parents. They will be the ones who suffer. It’s really serious.”
Talking about the response to the crisis, he continued: “[My dad] couldn’t understand why people would go out into the population and mingle.
“It’s only when you see the risks that the NHS team are
going through and how seriously they take it, that you realise this is not something to mess around with. It’s almost like the times of the plague.”
Darrell’s family have set up a Facebook page in his memory to encourage people to look out for vulnerable members of their community. A statement from them said: “Thank you for all of the kindness shown. Instead of flowers we will be asking to set up a [Facebook]Wall of Kindness.
“You will be asked to help others by offering to collect shopping, help with childcare, make sure we all make time to have a quick chat with someone lonely or struggling.
“Build something beautiful in Darrell’s memory.”
Darrell’s local church, St Michael’s in Middleton, where he sang in the choir, promoted the cause.
They said: “At this time when we should not be physically wrapping our arms around each other let us ensure those who self-isolate are helped in any way they need.
“Phone calls, shopping, etc, because where there is hope there is life. Let’s not panic but keep hold of hope by caring, not sharing.”
Elsewhere charities were also asking communities to do all they could to help those most in need.
It is already estimated that around one million elderly people go for weeks without speaking to a friend, neighbour or relative.
Age UK said: “First and foremost it will be important to make sure people have the things they need to stay safe and well at home.
“Picking up some shopping, prescriptions or running some errands could be a major help. Doing what we can to encourage older people to stay active at home and ensuring they remain connected and included will be essential.
“This could mean making sure people have what they need to keep going with their hobbies, for example picking up items like wool if they are knitters.
“It might also be time to think creatively about ways for people to stay in contact with each other and keep morale up.
“If it’s safe to do so you can pop in – but you can also stay in touch over the phone, online or by post.”