A much-loved dad who delayed getting his first Covid jab to "selflessly" give blood has died of the virus after "fighting" on a ventilator for three weeks.
Andrew Killeen, 34, had no underlying health conditions and had been trying to book a vaccination appointment when he contracted the deadly virus.
The dad-of-two, from Stockton, went from showing flu-like symptoms to needing hospital care "overnight" and died on August 10, Teesside Live reports.
Andrew's wife, Laura, said her husband delayed getting his first vaccine because he was due to donate blood, and had to cancel another appointment because he was ill.
Laura, 33, said: "He really wanted the vaccine, and if he had been a bit more selfish, he might still be alive.
"He always gave to charity and would do anything for anyone. Everyone loved him for that.
"He had a heart of gold, he was very funny, and he had a huge personality."
Laura, who had been with Andrew since 2006, "thought life would be back to normal in a week or so" after the whole Killeen family tested positive for Covid.
"Instead our family is changed forever," she said. "Covid hasn't gone away and it is still having devastating consequences for people who are otherwise fit and healthy."
Andrew, originally from Cleveleys, lived on Teesside since he was 10, and worked for the car insurance company Axa.
He died a month after testing positive for Covid-19, and spent three weeks in ICU at North Tees Hospital in Stockton.
According to Laura her husband was treated with "such kindness and dignity" during his time in hospital.
"Visiting is only allowed if the prognosis isn't looking good, so I was able to be with him when he died," she said.
"The nurse that was with him on that awful day was absolutely amazing, nothing was too much trouble."
Andrew leaves behind his wife and two daughters, Niamh, 10, and Aisling, five.
Laura has started a fundraising page for the staff at Stockton ICU as a way of thanking doctors and nurses for their efforts.
Writing on the page, she said: "Much to my annoyance over the years, Andrew thought cut flowers were a waste of money.
"So we have decided that the money that would have been spent on flowers for the funeral should go to the staff that tried so hard to bring him home to his two daughters.
"All money will be used to directly benefit the staff, whether its to pay for a new sofa for the staff room or to be used as a biscuit and cake fund."
To visit the fundraising page click here.
