Local Man Loses His Life to Covid-19
'Get the football on QPR are playing'
These are the words that Steve Poulter’s family will never hear him shout again
Sadly on the 21st January 2021 Stephen Poulter “Steve”, a much loved husband, father and grandfather lost his life to Covid-19 aged only 63.
His family wanted us to share his story to make people realise this virus is real and anyone can lose their life, leaving a huge hole in many people’s hearts.
Here are the words of his daughter Cat:
“Dad was a family man, would do anything and everything for anyone. He looked after his grandchildren daily and was a familiar face on the school playground. He was known for not wearing socks all year round.'
"Dad contracted Covid-19 even though he only left the house for school runs and to get petrol. This went undiagnosed until it was too late. In the early hours of Wednesday 13th January, our mother noticed his breathing became rapid and an ambulance was called'.
“Eleven ambulances sat outside the Princess Royal hospital that evening as there was not enough beds. Because of this they had to wait over an hour for an ambulance to arrive.'
"Dad was struggling to breathe and he was scared. The paramedics said straight away this was Covid-19 and he was transferred to the PRH. He was taken to the ITU as this was the only place that had beds, originally he was going to be sent to the High dependency unit but they had no beds available. He was put on a CPAP machine as they were unable to control the level of oxygen.'
"He had no other health issues and like many enjoyed his food and the odd few beers. We managed to get his mobile phone to him so were able to Group FaceTime with help from the nurses which we were so grateful for as we couldn’t visit him in his time of need. His machines would alarm while we were talking, you could see the machine desat in the background so calls would always be short.
We did everything we could make sure he knew we loved and missed him, and of course let him know the football scores.'
"He was having really bad nights and on the maximum oxygen levels. He had to be lay on his side, due to the treatment inflating his stomach which meant he couldn’t lay on his front. Scans were done on 20th Jan on his heart to check all was working and that came back clear which was a relief. Then on the 21st after a really bad night, the decision had to be made to intubate as he needed urgent help.'
At 8.30am Dad went into respiratory distress which caused cardiac arrest. Everything was done to revive him but sadly there was nothing the NHS staff could do, he was gone.
"We had the call asking us to get to the hospital but we knew from that call he had passed. We were taken to the relative’s room and informed that he had passed away at 9am. Covid-19 killed him.'
"We asked if we could see him, and we were provided with full protective clothing to enter the unit. When we walked on the ward it was the busiest place I have ever seen. Nurses and doctors were everywhere, bays full of patients, they were at max capacity. Dad looked fast asleep, so beautiful and peaceful. We were reassured by the lovely staff who had tears in their eyes that he didn’t feel a thing, he went peacefully in the end.'
"The staff were lovely and so supportive, apologised they couldn’t give us a hug as they wanted too. We can’t thank them enough for all they did for my Dad and for us.'
"As a family we are totally broken to have to be organising a funeral for a man so young. He can’t even have the send-off he deserves because of Covid restrictions . We can’t even console each other with a hug.'
"Sadly Dad will never walk his daughters down the aisle at their wedding or see his grandchildren grow any older, we will never have another family meal together. Those little things he did we still laugh about now won’t ever happen again.'
"He was a top bloke and loved by so many. The love he’s received so far on social media and from friends he knew years ago has been really touching. We have all shed tears for this man. We will miss his dodgy cockney accent and his laugh, we can still hear it now. Who would never have thought 2020 was going to be his last birthday and his last Christmas. Keep your loved ones safe. Protect everyone.
❗ Covid kills
❗ We have seen it.
❗ We have lost to it.
❗ We will not let it take another.
❤️ We are sending love and well wishes to Stephen's family and friends during this difficult time ❤️
Steve's family wanted to give the NHS staff some recognition for all their hard work, not just for Steve but for all patients they have currently in their care and who have sadly also lost their life to Covid-19.
Steve would have wanted them recognised for all they did and this is exactly what they have done and they thank Telford interfaith their support. The are grateful for all the support they've had so far from the local community via Facebook and from friends of Steve’s.
In his memory they are collecting for the unit he was on via a memory page if anyone wishes to donate. So far they have already raised over £800 with gift aid.
You can donate here Memory Giving
