‘Alfie’ takes stock of life after his uncle dies in hospital
FORMER Wales and Lions captain Gareth Thomas has revealed the coronavirus pandemic has made him take stock of his life following a death in the family.
Thomas’ uncle passed away and he wasn’t able to visit him in hospital because of restrictions due to Covid 19.
The 45-year-old says the whole experience has caused him to reflect upon the need for the process following a death to be made easier to avoid extra emotional stress.
It’s also motivated him to get his own will sorted out once lockdown is over.
“My uncle sadly died alone in hospital as we weren’t allowed to visit,” said the former Bridgend and Cardiff three-quarter.
“It was heartbreaking to think of him on his own – and then all the formalities that had to be dealt with, such as the funeral, sorting out his will and organising probate. It was all extremely difficult and made an already tough situation a lot worse. The topic of death has never been talked about so much. It’s led us to almost desensitise the issue.
“In some ways, this could be seen as a positive. Death is something we’ll all go through at some point, and feeling comfortable to talk about and prepare for it can bring you peace.
“The pandemic has definitely made me sit back and take stock of my life. You just don’t know what’s around the corner, and it’s made me realise what my loved ones will have to deal with when I pass. It’s motivated me to make it as easy for them as possible. Once lockdown has lifted and it’s easier to get it witnessed, I’m going to sort my will out. That part’s incredibly difficult at the moment due to social distancing rules.
“Death is incredibly stressful – especially if it’s the first time someone has had to deal with a death. It can leave your head all over the place.
“The unnecessary formalities around the whole industry just have to be made simpler. We have to find a way to make it easier.”