Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Brave Rhonda praised for sharing story
RHONDA Tait’s family are one of hundreds who have lost a loved one to coronavirus in Northern Ireland.
In April, her mum Josephine died on her own in Belfast’s Mater Hospital after contracting Covid-19.
And this month, a new government campaign warning of the dangers of the virus features the heartbreaking story.
First Minister Arlene Foster and Deputy First Minister Michelle O’neill met with Rhonda on Thursday to thank her for agreeing to share her story on the devastation the virus has brought.
Her story will be broadcast on television and across social media channels from today to bring home the reality of the threat of coronavirus.
She said: “As a person my mummy was fun, she was so loving and caring.
“I wasn’t expecting the doctor to say to me ‘they are possible covid-19 symptoms’. Once they closed the door, that was it. I was out on the street watching the ambulance drive away.
“I just wanted to go and hold her hand, to hug her, for her to hug me. That hug from your mummy always made everything better.
COURAGEOUS
“I knew when my phone rang. Having to tell my three sisters that our wee mummy – our life, the heart and soul of the family – had died in hospital all alone.
“You’re not hurting anybody by wearing a mask, or washing your hands or social distancing, so just do it. It could save so many lives.”
First Minister Arlene Foster said:
“As we launch the next stage of this campaign, I want to thank Rhonda for telling her story.
“Of course the coronavirus statistics are shocking, but this reminds us that behind every number there is human suffering.
“Unfortunately, Covid-19 is still with us. It is still infecting people and it is still, tragically, ending lives.
“This has been a long battle and I understand people are weary, but the pandemic isn’t over yet. We cannot afford to let our guard down.
“Rhonda has been incredibly courageous in sharing her experience. She does so in the hope that more families won’t lose a loved one.
“That is why we are urging everyone to follow the guidance.”