A BBC Look North reporter has shared her own personal story of grief after losing both of her parents to coronavirus in the space of just six weeks.
On tonight's episode and on the day when coronavirus deaths passed the 10,000 mark in Yorkshire, Cathy Killick, from Leeds, will share her personal story in order to give a voice to the many bereaved on the show.
Cathy said: "I’ve been a reporter for the BBC for more than 30 years. In that time I’ve interviewed dozens of people who have experienced loss.
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"I’ve done my best to convey their emotion faithfully - not having experienced it myself. Now I find I am one of those people.
"I lost both my parents to COVID-19 within six weeks – my Dad just before Christmas on December 2nd; my Mum just after on January 12th. I’ve always been struck by the bravery of the people I’ve talked to and I’ve always been grateful to them too.
“Journalism can only exist if people are willing to share their stories, so I’m going to share mine, not because I’m brave, but because I owe them.”
A tearful Cathy also gave huge thanks to the care home staff, nurses and other carers who looked after her parents in their final days.
Cathy's emotional tribute to her parents will air tonight on BBC Look North from 6.30pm.
