Reverend Richard Coles shares tribute after sister-in-law dies from coronavirus

Reverend Richard Coles has paid tribute to his sister-in-law following her death to coronavirus at the age of 58.

Louise Coles, who was married to Richard’s brother Andy, passed away on Wednesday after she had contracted Covid-19.

Richard has now shared a touching tribute to the former teacher and Conservative councillor at Peterborough City Council, saying they ‘will meet again’.

He also stated she had been diagnosed with cancer earlier this year, and had been receiving treatment for it.

Speaking in a special piece for BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, he said: ‘She felt unwell over Christmas, a doggedly persistent winter cold she thought, but it was cancer.

‘So aggressive was her treatment it left her unprotected. In spite of the most meticulous efforts to shield her from the virus, it breached her defences.

‘Louise and Andy had planned how this would go. They knew once she was admitted they could not be together but they were inseparable having found in one another the unequalled compliment a lifetime search that viruses can’t touch.’

He concluded: ‘Love is as strong as death and cannot be quenched. We’ll meet again.’

During his monologue, the Strictly Come Dancing star also urged the public to continue practicing social distancing measures while in lockdown.

Earlier this week, Richard had shared the sad news of Louise’s death on Twitter, posting a picture of her with his late partner Reverend David Coles, who passed away last December following a long illness.