Named: Second Briton killed by coronavirus was 88-year-old who collapsed on Friday after meeting people returning from Italy skiing trip
- Darrell Blakely, from Middleton in Greater Manchester, died on March 13
- He initially tested negative for the virus and was diagnosed with sepsis
- Several days later tested positive after contact with returning tourist from Italy
- Coronavirus symptoms: what are they and should you see a doctor?
An 88-year-old man who died from the coronavirus after initially testing negative for the illness has been named.
Darrell Blakely, from Middleton in Greater Manchester, collapsed on the floor of his home on March 3.
When the father-of-one was first tested for the virus at North Manchester General Hospital the result came back negative.
However, after he had received treatment for sepsis for several days, doctors tested him for Covid-19 again.
Darrell Blakely, 88, from Middleton in Greater Manchester, collapsed on the floor of his home on March 3
The result came back positive and he died on March 13 in an isolation unit.
It is believed he may have been infected with the virus after spending time in a restaurant with people who had returned from a skiing holiday in Italy.
The UK’s death toll rocketed up to 35 yesterday and the number of cases of those infected soared to 1,372.
His daughter-in-law, Allie Crewe, said it was a ‘difficult and tragic death’ for the family.
In a statement on Facebook she wrote: ‘It was very difficult for us as he could not be treated for his underlying medical condition due to coronavirus restrictions.
‘The hospital were really super and tried to support us as much as possible, their kindness helped a lot.
‘Not being able to sit with him was very hard for us. He remained in quarantine in an air locked room.
‘This has been quite a difficult and tragic death so send love and light.’
Mr Blakeley attended St Michael’s Church in Middleton for 50 years.
When the father-of-one was first tested for the virus at North Manchester General Hospital (pictured) the result came back negative
The church said in a statement: ‘Darrell was a faithful man at St Michael’s for over 50 years, he sang in the choir with a beautiful voice, described by so many as a gracious gentleman who is going to be sadly missed. RIP Darrell.’
The church added: ‘I cannot stress enough the need to self-isolate if you believe you are at risk of infecting anyone else.’
He had not attended church for a month due to underlying health conditions.
His family have since asked the local community to carry out acts of kindness instead of sending condolence gifts and flowers.
They said: ‘Thank you for all of the kindness shown here.
‘Instead of flowers we will be asking to set up a Wall of Kindness. You will be asked to help others by offering to collect shopping, help with childcare, make sure we all make time to have a quick chat with someone lonely or struggling.
‘On the wall we invite you all to post “random acts of kindness given and received.”‘