The grief stricken wife of a man who died from Covid after not having the vaccine has said she intends to receive it.
Donna Hughes, 55, married her husband Bill, 57, when they were in their 40s.
The deeply religious Hackney pair were a natural match and Bill was a popular member of the Men’s Home in Victory Outreach Manchester which rehabilitates substance abusers.
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A former drug user himself, Bill’s work focused on showing others how to turn their lives around, using a blend of rehabilitation techniques and spirituality.
Looking back on Bill’s life, Donna says she is proud of the man she married.
Bill had refused the Covid vaccine
(Image: Donna Hughes)
She said: “He was very hard working and very generous in his ways. We’re both Christians and our religion was very important to us.
“He did a lot of work with the recovery home in Manchester.
“He would go out on the streets and evangelise with people who drink and take drugs, he’d administer the gospel. If they were willing, they’d come to the recovery home.
“He had been in the same home himself, he was a former substance abuser and used to take cocaine.
“He didn’t realise the effect he had on people’s lives, if he was alive now and saw the response he had on people’s lives he wouldn’t be able to believe it. People adored and loved him.”
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‘Bill wasn’t vaccinated and neither am I – yet’
Tragically though, Donna and Bill’s marriage was tragically cut short when he died from Covid in September.
Bill was unvaccinated and despite the best efforts of the doctors, he died in hospital almost a month after testing positive.
Reflecting on Bill’s decision to refuse the vaccine, Donna is conflicted, but says she will now take the vaccine.
She said: “He had Covid and died with complications with pneumonia.
“Bill had trouble with his breathing – it went straight to his lungs. He tested positive on September 5 th and went into hospital on the 8 th . He died on September 27.
Bill died in hospital despite the best efforts of doctors
(Image: Donna Hughes)
“I thought he was coming home but it wasn’t to be.
“He didn’t have either vaccine, he didn’t feel the need to take it at that time.
“The vaccine doesn’t save you from it in my opinion, people are still getting it even though they have been vaccinated. I don’t really understand all of that but anyway.
“I haven’t had it yet, but I will be getting my vaccine soon.”
‘I will see him when we’re with Christ’
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Still reeling from Bill’s loss, Donna says she is strengthened by her faith and is looking forward to seeing him again in heaven.
She explained: “I take every day as it comes. Every day and every emotion is different, you trust God to keep and strengthen you.
“I have hope that I will see him when I die and am with Christ.”
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