‘Amazing’ dad died days after having Covid jab
FAMILY MAN STEPHEN WAS FOREST FAN AND LOVED MOTOR RACING
TRIBUTES have been paid to a fatherof-two who died after testing positive for Covid – despite having his first dose of the vaccine just ten days before he passed away.
Stephen Cunningham, 66, of Clifton, was classed as extremely clinically vulnerable as he had heart problems and type 2 diabetes.
He died on February 21 at Nottingham City Hospital after a short battle with Covid-19.
He leaves behind his wife Glenis, who he was married to for 35 years, and their two children.
Melissa Cunningham, Stephen’s daughter, described him as a family man with a passion for sports - especially his beloved Nottingham Forest.
“He was an amazing man,” she said. “He absolutely loved Nottingham Forest. He loved motor racing as well, and Lewis Hamilton. He was just a family man - a loving and caring man.
“As a dad, he was always very protective. He used to work away a lot when I was growing up.
“He was shielding and didn’t go out for a year before he received his vaccine.”
However, on February 16 – just five days after receiving his jab – Mr Cunningham was admitted to hospital where he then tested positive for Covid19. According to the Government website, it takes a “few weeks” for the body to build up immunity to the virus after receiving the vaccine.
The family was called by the hospital at 9am on February 21 telling them they needed to get there and see him.
However, just 10 minutes later, they received another call to say Stephen had passed away.
The family have since raised concerns about the quality of care Mr Cunningham received while he was being treated in hospital and told the Post they plan to make a formal complaint with the NHS trust.
A spokesperson for Nottingham University Hospital NHS Trust said: “We would encourage the family of Stephen Cunningham to contact our Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) on 0800 183 0204 or via email PALS@NUH. nhs.uk, if they have any concerns with the care Mr Cunningham received while at City Hospital.”