Banker who died ‘feared wasting the NHS’s time’
A BANKER who died alone in self-isolation with coronavirus symptoms had refused to call an ambulance because he ‘didn’t want to waste NHS time’.
Tim Galley, 47, who had no underlying health conditions, died at his home in North Wales after first feeling a ‘tickle’ in his throat after a stag do on Saturday night.
When he developed a fever on Monday he decided not to go to work at M&S Bank and isolated himself.
But within 24 hours he was found dead in his bed and his body was removed from his Wrexham flat by paramedics in protective clothing on Tuesday.
His partner of four years, Donna Cuthbert, told North Wales Live that she had urged him to call an ambulance as his messages grew less frequent and his temperature rose – but he declined.
‘Of course I was very worried when he
‘He kept saying that he was fine’
developed the fever as I was worried about the coronavirus,’ she said.
‘As he was getting steadily worse I asked him to phone for an ambulance but he kept on saying to me that he was fine, that he had no underlying health conditions and that they would be too busy dealing with other people.’
On Monday Miss Cuthbert, who lives in Old Colwyn, told Mr Galley she was worried she wasn’t going to see him for weeks because of the lockdown. He replied: ‘Don’t be silly, of course you will.’
‘On Tuesday morning I was panicking as Tim didn’t return my calls. I asked his neighbour to check on him as they had a key. They found him in bed.
‘My amazing Tim didn’t want to waste the NHS’s time so chose not to phone and get help and rather stayed at home in isolation thinking he would get better.’
Miss Cuthbert, who runs her own wedding business, said that he was her ‘beloved, best friend and soulmate’ and described him as ‘her future’ with a ‘massive heart’ who was adored by her children.
She added: ‘My heart is broken into shattered pieces and my kids are truly devastated. I really don’t know how we will get through.
‘Tim followed the guidelines and took the precautions but still somehow this cruel, cruel virus we think took him.’
Public Health England has advised anyone who thinks they have symptoms of the coronavirus to used the online 111 service instead of attending a hospital. ÷ Latest coronavirus video news, views and expert advice at mailplus. co.uk/coronavirus