A lorry driver from Leeds has spoken out about the heartache of not seeing his wife for two months because he fears that he may pass coronavirus onto her.
Martin Hughes, 61, has been unable to hug his wife, Lynne Hughes-Jones, for several weeks because she has been placed in the extremely vulnerable category.
Lynne, who is in her seventies, is recovering from cancer and has been advised to shield at home.
However, Martin cannot work from their home in Hunslet, Leeds, and has had to move into alternative accommodation nearby, leaving the couple in the "dreadful" situation of living apart.
In fact, the last time that he saw his wife was before he flew to Las Vegas for a holiday with friends at the start of March, which was brought to an abrupt halt.
"It only lasted three days," said Martin. "We sorted our own flights back to the UK and in the space of a few days, we had been through five different airports.
"Because I had been through all these airports I wasn't allowed to see her."
By the time Martin's quarantine period came to an end, Lynne had been placed in the vulnerable category and the couple decided it was best that they didn't come face-to-face with one another while Martin works.
Martin only sees his wife every few days when he drops food off.
'It's dreadful but I just can't risk giving her the virus'
"I've had to move into another property because our house isn't big enough to split into two parts," he said.
"It means I haven't been in my own home for two months.
"I drop food off and I'm taking it to my wife but I've not been able to give her a hug.
"It's dreadful but I just can't risk giving her the virus."
Martin is continuing to work as a lorry driver throughout the coronavirus pandemic, but is remaining upbeat and is encouraging anyone in a similar situation to "stay patient".
"I've got to keep going to work," he said. "I asked the question about being furloughed but I'm the only one who holds an HGV license so I can't be furloughed.
"But we are in a situation where we can control it and prevent it. People have just got to sit tight and stay patient."
