Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Family’s pain after healthy Alan loses life
THE family of a Northern Ireland man who died a week after testing positive for coronavirus have told of their shock at his death.
Alan Graham, who lived in Drumchapel, Glasgow, had no previous health conditions.
The dad-of-one was just 38 and appeared to be on the mend after suffering from a cough.
His body was discovered at his home on Saturday, January 30.
The bingo worker had been taking lockdown very seriously and following guidance so much so that he barely went outside.
He had even been receiving Tesco delivery shops so he could avoid going to busy supermarkets.
His wife Sharlein Graham, 37, and their 13-year-old son, Thomas Graham, have been left heartbroken by the tragic loss.
She told the Daily Record: “Alan had no health conditions so this is so out of the blue he had nothing wrong with him so we just don’t understand.
“We thought he was getting better, he had a cough and felt a bit strange but it didn’t seem really unwell.
“He was taking the pandemic so seriously. He never really went outside ever so we just have no idea where he might have picked it up.
“Our son Thomas is just 13, he is autistic and just hasn’t taken it all in yet. I think it is all going to just hit him all at once at one point.”
The carer had been with Alan for 17 years and married for five.
Despite separating two years ago they remained on great terms and stayed “the best of friends”.
Now loved ones have set up a Gofundme page to help the family at this difficult time.
Sharlein added: “We had been separated for around two years but we still did loads of family stuff together like birthdays, Christmas, and holidays. He was just such a big part of our full family, he had such a good heart, we are all in shock.
“I work in a care home and have seen it all since the start of the pandemic it has been so difficult.
“It isn’t just old people are risk though, Alan had no health issues and didn’t even seem very ill and this happened.
“I work part-time and come straight home and have my bubble to help, but now Alan obviously isn’t here. I just wish people would just remember to take this pandemic really seriously.”
Tributes are now pouring in for the dad who was a “true gent” and will be deeply missed.
One person said: “I really don’t know what to say it’s still a shock for everyone.
“Lots of love big man you will be missed by all who knew and loved you. I’m gutted.”
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Officers were called to a property on Linkwood Crescent around 4.40pm on Saturday, 30 January, following a concern call from a member of the public.
“On arrival found the body of a 38-year-old man within the property.
“The death is not being treated as suspicious and, as with all sudden deaths, a report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.”