A heartbroken husband has paid tribute to his "beautiful" wife after she died just four days after getting the flu.
Roger Hackley, 49, lost his wife Ruth at the age of just 45 earlier this year after she was struck down by the virus.
The mum-of-two, from Northfield, died in hospital after a four-day battle , which left her in a coma in hospital critical care.
Roger has now decided to share his story in a bid to urge people to get the life-saving flu vaccination.
He told Birmingham Live : "She was transferred to critical care where she was put into a coma.
“She sadly suffered a cardiac arrest. I went in to see her, held her hand and watched her slip away from me.
“The cause of Ruth’s death was Influenza A. It shut down her heart and her organs. There was nothing there to protect her.
“I used to say to Ruth ‘You need to get your flu jab, there’s nothing to worry about’.
“I think if she’d had the vaccination it would have made a difference. The flu jab saves lives."
Roger, who works as a cleaner at City Hospital, Birmingham, said his wife became ill on January 28 this year, after the family had enjoyed a Christmas together.
Since then, the 49-year-old has found it difficult adjusting to life without Ruth.
He said: “If I’d been a bit quicker, got her to the hospital the weekend before she passed away, maybe she could still be here today.
“Part of the story is I blame myself because I didn’t realise how bad the flu virus was.”
The couple adopted two young brothers five years ago and would enjoy days out together and visiting Tenby in Wales on holiday.
“She was a beautiful lady. She was my soulmate and my best friend,” says Roger.
“As a family, we went out on day trips; we went swimming together, to the park together, shopping, holidays. Tenby was our favourite place to take the children.
“I wish she was still with me now. The times we had together were absolutely fantastic. I miss her every single day.”
Roger adds: “The message I would give to people is please, please get your flu vaccination. It not only protects you but it also protects others as well as your family and loved ones.
“I wouldn’t want anyone else to go through what I’m going through. I beg you – please, please get your flu jab.”
