TRIBUTES FOR ‘AMAZING’ JOE
Family’ s praise to dad who died after testing positive for corona virus
A father-of-six who died in hospital after contracting coronavirus has been remembered by his family as a “true gent” who was always up for a laugh.
Joe Jenkins, of Ford Estate, lost his life on April 1 after battling coronavirus in hospital.
The 65-year-old, who had recently been on a trip abroad to celebrate his ruby wedding anniversary, was surrounded by his wife and six children when he tragically passed away.
Joe was the brother of Marion Jolliff, 62, the first confirmed case of Covid-19 in Sunderland.
She has since beaten the illness but remains in hospital receiving treatment.
Joe’s daughter, Eva Jenkins hailed her dad as “a true gent” in a touching tribute.
She told the Echo: “He was an amazing man who was always up for a laugh.
“Everyone who knew my dad knows how funny he was. He always had a joke to tell. He’ll be a massive miss to everyone, not just the family.”
Joe was set to walk daughter Eva down the aisle when she gets married in September.
He was rushed into hospital on Saturday, March 30, after showing symptoms of COVID-19.
He had developed a cough while on holiday in Spain for his 40th wedding anniversary and his condition worsened when he returned home.
Eva wanted to thank the NHS staff who not only looked after dad Joe, but her Auntie Marion as well.
“They have all been fantastic,” she said.
“They are doing their jobs as best they can in difficult circumstances. The whole family is just grateful for the support that they have given us.”
And it hasn’t just been NHS staff who have supported the family, but the hundreds of well-wishers who have contacted them on social media in the past few weeks.
Eva added: “We’ve had loads of messages. Everyone has been so kind, people have been offering to do shopping for us as we have to self-isolate.”
Posting on Facebook, Marion’s son Alen Jolliff said: “Cannot believe my uncle Joe lost his battle to this horrendous virus. Can people please stay at home to stop it spreading. I don’t want more families to go through the heartache we’ve been through over last few weeks.”