A mum has issued an emotional plea for people to get vaccinated after the tragic death of her twin brother from Covid.
Jenny McCann said her 42 year-old sibling John Eyers was the "fittest and healthiest person I know" and had been climbing mountains just weeks prior to falling ill.
John, from Southport on Merseyside, didn't want to have a jab she said as he thought he would only have a mild illness if he was to contract the virus.
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"The only pre-existing health condition he had was the belief in his own immortality," she said.
However after a period on a ventilator in intensive care and being 'pumped full of every drug in the hospital' she revealed he lost his battle with the virus exactly four weeks after testing positive.
But, she said her brother had revealed to his consultant prior to his death that he 'wished he had listened' and had taken up the offer of a vaccination.
And Jenny, who lives in London, said her distraught mother now wants his story to potentially save a life by driving others who were sceptical to go and get vaccinated.
In a series of tweets posted on Monday, she said: "My 42yr old twin brother died in ITU of COVID-19 last week.
"He died exactly 4 weeks after testing positive. He was the fittest, healthiest person I know. He was climbing Welsh mountains and wild camping 4 weeks before his death.
"The only pre-existing health condition he had was the belief in his own immortality.
"He thought if he contracted COVID-19 he would be ok. He thought he would have a mild illness. He didn’t want to put a vaccine on his body.
"His was pumped full of every drug in the hospital.
"They threw everything at him. But eventually, the bedfellow of COVID19, infection & organ failure, claimed his life.
"Before he was ventilated he told his consultant that he wished he had been vaccinated. That he wished he had listened. His death is a tragedy.
"It shouldn’t have happened. He leaves mum and dad, a sister (me), and a 19 yr old daughter.
"My two children have lost their fun uncle. The uncle who would always play with them. The uncle that dressed up as Father Christmas on Christmas Day.
"My mum has lost her baby boy. My niece, her much loved and needed dad.
"This shouldn’t have happened.
"My mum wants people to know about John. For his story to save someone’s life. For pain & loss to drive people to get a vaccine."
The government today announced a Covid-19 vaccine would be available to people aged 16 and 17 following updated advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation.
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