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Bristol Post
Bristol Post
National
Michael Taylor & Alexander Brock

Tributes to 'wonderful husband and fantastic dad' who died with coronavirus

Tributes have poured in for a "greatly missed" worker at Hinkley Point B who died of coronavirus earlier this month.

Andy Elkins, 59, of Bridgwater, tested positive for Covid-19 before his death on Tuesday, April 14.

It is understood he had not been on-site for more than two weeks

The power station said staff who may have previously been in contact with Mr Elkins have been traced and working areas have been thoroughly cleaned.

Somerset Live reports a number of staff members are self-isolating.

Peter Evans, Hinkley Point B's station director, paid tribute to Mr Elkins and said he would be remembered for his 'infectious personality and humour'.

He said: "Andy's sad passing was a shock to us all, and he will be greatly missed.

"We all remember him for his infectious personality and his humour, and he would do anything to help anyone.

"My thoughts and sympathy are with those who were close to Andy, and with his family and friends.

"We are in contact with his family to offer our sympathy and assistance and we will of course do all that we can to support them during this difficult time."

In an online obituary, his family shared a moving message to the father who was 'always there to support them'.

It reads: "Julie, Stephanie and Nicola would like to take this opportunity to express their thanks and gratitude to the following people at this incredibly sad time.

"We would like to thank the doctors, nurses, health care assistants and staff at Southmead Hospital for enabling us to have an extra three and a half years together.

"To the doctors, nurses and all members of staff, especially Olivia, who held his hand when we couldn’t in the High Dependency Unit and to Hestercombe Ward at Musgrove Park Hospital for the outstanding level of care whilst working in extreme circumstances.

"To Matt Ball and Peter Evans of Hinkley Point B Power Station for their fantastic level of support, along with a staggering donation of £1,000 from EDF Energy in memory of Andy to our chosen charity.

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"To Emma Britton for a wonderful service. It was everything he would have wanted and more.

"To family, friends, neighbours, colleagues and carnivalites for their overwhelming love, well wishes and support shown by the numerous cards, messages and posts on the obituary page.

"These tributes and photographs have brought us laughter, tears and pride. For the many bouquets of flowers we have received that have truly uplifted our spirits.

"A very special thank you to Mark Robson of Robson & Stephens Funeral Directors for the care, kindness and meticulous attention to detail whilst organising Jif’s funeral with us.

'Enjoy every moment with your loved ones'

"Thank you to everyone for their generous donations to Musgrove Park Hospital High Dependency Unit.

"However the biggest thank you of all goes to you Jif, for being such a wonderful husband, fantastic Dad and best friend, who was always there to support us.

"You have given us and many other people lots of happy memories to treasure forever.

"Please stay at home and keep yourselves and your families safe. Enjoy every moment with your loved ones, you never know when that time might end."

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