The sons of a man who died from Covid after declining the vaccine are “still in shock” that they will “never have a future” with their father.
The family of Antony Ayiotis are continuing to mourn his tragic death after he was hospitalised with the virus earlier this month.
Lorna Way, from Rochford, Mr Ayiotis’s former partner and the mother of his three sons, said they were coping well following his death but the whole family are still reeling.
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Mr Ayiotis, 38, who lived in Romford but had family across Essex, died from Covid-19 after he turned down the vaccine, stating that he “didn’t go out enough” for him to need it.
But Ms Way and the rest of Mr Ayiotis’ family have urged anyone who can have the vaccine to take it, stating his death “was so quick” and it was “such a shock”.
She said: “The children are really close to all the family. They have stepped up really well to be supportive of his family.
“It highlights that everyone thinks that Covid has gone away and it doesn’t affect people anymore.
“He went into hospital and declined so quick, it’s a shock for everyone.
“If he had the vaccine, he could still be here and my children would still have a dad. I think that’s the big point.
Antony Ayiotis’ family are still in shock at his sudden death from Covid-19
(Image: Stacie Ayiotis)
“I see a lot of anti-vaccine stuff in the media and on social media, and I just want to shake them saying ‘what are you talking about’.”
Speaking to My London, Mr Ayiotis’ sister Stacie Ayiotis said the family “didn’t think for a moment” he would die from the virus, as he had no underlying health conditions.
Mr Ayiotis’ partner had received both doses of the vaccine and did not contract Covid-19, and has now been left to raise their young daughter without him.
Mr Ayiotis also had three children with Ms Way – Oliver, 19, Louis, 17, and Harry, 13.
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Ms Way said: “They [the children] are being quite strong. What’s affecting them is the fact that there is never going to be any more future with him.
“My eldest is 19, they are not babies, they understand it all.
“Seeing everyone so upset and so in shock is a lot for them because they have now got to deal with it all.
“You don’t expect to lose your dad at the ages of 19, 17 and 13.
“He was 38, he had a couple of days in the hospital, in the ICU [Intensive Care Unit], and three days later he’s dead. It was that quick.
“You can prepare when someone is ill.
“The shock here is more for everyone.”
Mr Ayiotis has family in various areas of Rochford including Ashingdon.
A fundraising page has been started to raise money to cover the costs of Mr Ayiotis’ funeral.
It is on the cusp of its £3,000 target. To donate, click here.
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