‘He is a hero’ – Family pay tribute to Sunderland care worker, 57, who died after testing positive for Covid with no symptoms

Angela Smith, 54, has described her brother Gary Martin from Southwick as ‘a gentleman’ following his death on Saturday, February 6.

Gary, aged 57, was a carer at Falstone Court Care Home and had worked throughout the pandemic – sacrificing time with his family to look after the needs of others.

He tested positive for Covid-19 on Sunday, January 17, after undergoing a routine test at work and showed no symptoms of the illness, however his condition rapidly declined and he was admitted to hospital on Saturday, January 23.

Angela has told the Echo how dedicated her brother was to looking after others.

She said: “Gary was a quiet man with a good sense of humour, very gentle and caring – he was a gentleman.

"I’m so proud of him for working throughout the pandemic and putting others before himself, when he was admitted to ICU, he was actually concerned about work and missing his shifts.

"He dedicated his life to looking after his son, Daniel and when he got older, Gary decided that he would become a carer.

"People need to realise the seriousness of this illness, he had no symptoms and so quickly went downhill, we are all devastated.

"Gary always stuck to the rules, he’s a hero in my opinion, for working and putting others before himself.”

Tragically, Gary was due to receive his first Covid vaccine just days after he tested positive, meaning he was unable to have the jab.

Despite him not receiving it in time to potentially save his life, Angela has thanked the NHS staff who cared for him during his time in hospital.

She added: “I’ve described Gary as a hero but he was also nursed by heroes, who were also fighting for his life alongside him.

"I cannot praise them enough for everything that they have done, we obviously couldn’t go and see him but they were always providing updates on his condition.

"Unfortunately he wasn’t responding to any treatment and they did everything that they could to try and save his life.”

As well as sister Angela, Gary also leaves behind his son Daniel, his older sister Lillian and his mum Mary, who has been shielding throughout the pandemic with Gary dropping off shopping for her every Saturday.

A spokesperson for the Falstone Court Care Home where Gary worked paid tribute and said: “We are deeply saddened by Gary’s passing.

"He will be fondly remembered for his friendly, kind and joyful nature.

"Gary was a larger-than-life character who peddled in to work every day on his bike and brought so much happiness and cheer.

“His selflessness, courage and compassion were evident in his work, particularly how he stepped up during the coronavirus outbreak.

"He was loved by Residents and will certainly be missed by all, showing such dedication and diligence to the care he provided to the Falstone family.

"He is hugely missed by the Falstone team, and our thoughts and sympathies are with his loved ones at this exceptionally difficult time.”

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