Heartbreak as devoted Sunderland couple die of coronavirus within hours of each other

The family of John and Elizabeth Ann Smith, who was known as Ann, have paid tribute to the ‘perfect parents’ who couldn’t be parted even in death as they plead for people to take Covid-19 seriously.

The Hylton Lane Estate couple were childhood sweethearts and met when John moved into the house next door to Ann’s family home more than 60 years ago.

Daughter Wendi Smith said: "They had been together since they were 15. They couldn’t live without each other.

"Even death couldn’t part them, that’s the comfort we have got. Mum never wanted to be on her own.

"We are just all devastated. If we can raise awareness and even save one family this hurt.

"A lot of people think because we’re not in lockdown Covid-19 is gone. It’s worse.”

Ann started getting a sore throat and feeling under the weather but the family and paramedics thought she had a water infection.

Not wanting to leave her husband John, who had a number of health problems, 77-year-old Ann stayed at home until the morning of September 19, when she was taken to hospital after her temperature rose to 102C and she began coughing.

That tea time John, 78, was also taken to Sunderland Royal Hospital and they both tested positive for Covid-19 – although it’s not known how they contracted the virus.

Their three children, Michael, Wendi and Joanne, spoke to them over the phone every day until John took a turn for the worst on September 22 and the family were able to visit dressed in full PPE.

"We’re such a close family. To be apart from them was so hard,” said Wendi. “Being able to spend that day going between the opposite rooms meant so much.”

Ann was taken off an oxygen mask with doctors hoping she could be home in 10 days but she began to deteriorate again.

Her family received a call on September 27, that Ann’s condition had worsened and she tragically passed away before they arrived at the hospital.

Just 29 hours later, John, who had chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), passed away.

"When mum died he was very ill,” said Wendi. “We had to take him in the wheelchair. He was delirious. He knew his wife had died but he couldn’t look at my mum. It was just so sad.”

The couple, who married at St Mary the Virgin Church in 1965, have two grandchildren Lewis and Rhianna.

John worked in the merchant navy while Ann, who had two sisters June and Doreen, was a stay at home mum, working shifts as a dinner lady at a school.

"Their love story is like something you’d only see on the TV,” said Wendi.

"They were very bubbly people they loved laughing and smiling. They loved to help people.”

Wendi is calling for people to follow the Government’s rules in the hope they can save another family the same heartbreak.

The 50-year-old said: “Covid-19 is a killer and it’s not going away.

“The hospital staff were absolutely amazing. The staff on the wards see things nobody should have to deal with. The only way I can describe it is like hell on Earth.”

The family would also like to thank Tony Clarke Funeral Directors for their support.

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