The niece of a Bedale man who has died of the coronavirus says he died alone and without being able to say goodbye.
The woman said her uncle, who was called David, was vulnerable as he was in remission from cancer but had been self-isolating for several days before starting to get symptoms.
She said: “Yes, he was older, but he didn’t deserve to die.
“He still had plenty more years left in him. He didn’t come into contact with a lot of people.”
The woman said her uncle was not allowed to see anyone after being admitted to hospital.
“He spent his last birthday in hospital, he was alone.
“He wasn’t allowed his home comforts, some comfortable clothes or someone to hold his hand. He couldn’t say any goodbyes and neither could we. It was a waiting game, seeing if he would live or survive.
“It wasn’t a normal death — we couldn’t prepare and we now have to live with that.
“We have to live with the fact that we were effectively useless to helping him, or even being there.
“None of our family can see each other to support each other, we can’t be each others shoulder to cry on in fear that we have it and could pass it on. I can’t see my dad to give him a hug.
“His wife is left alone at home, unable to see anyone or go out, having to self-isolate in case she has it herself.”
The woman said the family had been told that only five people could attend his funeral and would have to stay apart, so we couldn’t say goodbye or grieve properly.
The man’s niece urged to people to abide by the rules and keep social distancing.
“People are dying and yet all I can hear and see are big groups of people in the park at the bottom of the road and neighbours having mini garden parties with outsiders, not their household.
“Yes, you need to keep yourself sane, yes, you need to try and lighten the mood in your home, but please keep yourself and others safe.
“You may think your invincible, but you’re not.”
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