On the 2 June 2020 our darling Dad died peacefully at the Royal Preston Hospital with an incredible nurse named Louise holding his hand in place of our Mum.

As Dad had a chronic illness our parents self-isolated from early March and our Mum diligently disinfected any parcels of food brought to the home. We all knew if Dad contracted Covid-19 he would be unlikely to recover from it and we desperately wanted to keep him safe and protect our family from experiencing a second bereavement after the loss of our incredible brother (and our parents son) in November 2019.

Unfortunately, Dad's illness (COPD) took him to hospital on the 6 May and after successfully fighting off a bout of pneumonia (like the Superhero he was), he contracted Covid-19.

Dad knew he couldn't beat the virus yet agreed to take part in drug trials to help doctors and researchers understand more about it. He wanted to do it in the hope that it may help his grandchildren in the future. We were touched beyond words to know he was willing to take further risks to create a better world for his loved ones.

It is for this reason that we are asking that anyone who may have wished to send flowers in memory of our Dad, instead donate to the University of Liverpool Covid-19 Research Programme, where incredible scientists are working with academics from across the world to understand and eradicate this devastating illness.

Covid-19 robbed our Dad of his family in his final weeks. It will rob us of giving him the send off he deserves. It has robbed over 40,000 UK families in the same way. And countless others across the world.

Please give generously in his name.

Thank you.

Alison, Rachael and Claire