A great-great-grandad, well-known as a 'big character' in Salford, has died from coronavirus - and only a few members of his family will be able to say goodbye at his funeral.
Thomas Fox, died in Salford Royal Hospital in the early hours of Monday morning, just one week after being diagnosed with coronavirus.
Mr Fox, known as Tommy to his friends and family, was a sociable pillar of his community in Pendleton raising a big family - including eight sons, tens of grandchildren and even a few great-great-grandchildren.
At 92, the former miner could still cook and clean for himself, and would always dress smartly in a suit for an evening at his local pub, where he loved to sing.
But two weeks ago, Mr Fox began showing coronavirus symptoms, along with his son who he lived with.
Mr Fox was soon drained by the illness and began struggling to breathe, say his family.
He was admitted to Salford Royal Hospital on March 30 and diagnosed with coronavrius.
On Monday, Mr Fox lost his battle with coronavirus and died from the disease.
David Fox, one of his eight sons, told the M.E.N. about the heartbreaking circumstances: "He used to go out a lot and just started saying he was tired and that he couldn't get warm, he couldn't make himself anything to eat.
"He was slowly getting worse and he couldn't even speak.
"He started struggling to breathe and a doctor called an ambulance.
"The doctors at Salford Royal told us that nobody could come to see him because he had Covid-19.
"We were told that he had between two hours and two days to live."
Mr Fox fought on for a week to the amazement of his family.
One of Mr Fox's sons was able to visit him and call the rest of the family, so they could say goodbye.
David said: "My dad told us that he loved us all, that was enough."
The Fox family were called on Monday morning at around 4.45am by nurses who said he would not survive the virus much longer - they rushed to the hospital but by the time they arrived, Mr Fox had died.
Now the family face the choice of who to invite to Mr Fox's funeral, limited to just ten guests allowed to attend.
David said: "The funeral is on April 17 but only ten people can come.
"It's difficult because he has sisters and a brother, all of the grandchildren, all of his friends.
"We have said that the wives who have been in the family the longest should come, but we don't know what to do."
David remembers his dad as a man who worked more than 40 jobs during his life to keep putting food on the table for his family.
Mr Fox worked as a miner, brewer and, as he called it, an 'executive janitor' to make sure his family got through tough times.
"He was a proper character - he was cheeky, spoke his mind and was always smartly dressed," said David.
"He was always in the Pendleton British Legion, he loved going to the Coach and Horses and had lots of friends there.
"He's drank in every pub in Salford and could really tell you some tales.
"My dad was going to be 93 in June and we were going to do a big celebration - obviously we can't do that now."
David wants his father's death to serve as a reminder that people must stay in their homes.
He said: "There are people that are not taking any notice at all of the rules.
"If this virus is going to end, we have all got to stay inside."
The family are planning on holding a celebration of life for Mr Fox at his favourite local, the British Legion, when social distancing restrictions end.
"It will be absolutely jam-packed, there will be so many people there. He will be sadly missed," said David.
