A 'super fit' dad has died from Covid-19 before his wedding day leaving family devastated.
Anthony Williams was supposed to get married to his partner Nikki Smith this year after being forced to rearrange the event in 2020 as a result of the pandemic.
But after testing positive the 46-year-old developed breathing problems and was taken to hospital and put into a coma on Christmas day.
The bodybuilding then sadly died on Wednesday, January 13, at the Princess of Wales Hospital in Bridgend to the shock of his heartbroken family and friends, reports Wales Online.
Close friend Andrew Follant said: "I have known Anthony since he was 19 and he's always been such a health freak," said his
"He probably spent more time in the gym than his own house.
"He'd be on his cross trainer for 20 minutes every morning and then again every night.
"He used to do bodybuilding up in the Rhondda many years ago. He'd eat seven or eight meals a day of chicken and rice – his regime was unbelievable. He'd have one 'cheat meal' a week and that was it.
"I never would have thought in a month of Sundays that someone like him would become that ill, let alone die, from coronavirus."
Anthony was born in Merthyr Tydfil and had been living in Bridgend with his partner, Nikki, and 10-year-old daughter, Elise, when he became ill.
He was a long-standing employee at the industrial electronic and automation repair company Kontroltek, based in Bridgend.
Andrew, who is Kontroltek's managing director, said he will remember Anthony as a "kind, loyal and funny friend" who was a "real character" with a "unique sense of dress".
"Having known Anthony for over 25 years we have shared many memories," said Andrew. "We have laughed together and we have cried together. At Kontroltek he was here for every up and down experienced, usually leading from the front.
"I am mourning his death greatly – he was more than an employee to me. Anthony was a loyal friend who I could trust and often seek advice in. I'm forever grateful for knowing him as I'm sure many who have crossed paths with him are too.
"This tragic loss is only another reminder of how truly evil this virus is."
A GoFundMe page has been created to support Anthony's family during this traumatic time and to date close to £2,500 has been raised. To donate go here.
"Anthony and Nikki were planning on getting married in 2021 after having to rearrange the event last year as a result of the pandemic," Andrew added.
"Our thanks go out to the NHS staff who took care of Anthony and our thoughts are with all those who have been impacted by the virus."
