Contact ‘Please follow the rules – this virus takes anyone, not just the vulnerable’
‘Please follow the rules – this virus takes anyone, not just the vulnerable’
A mum whose dad died with Covid-19 just weeks after she gave birth to her first daughter has pleaded with people to follow the rules.
Michelle Keen wants everyone to stay at home and continue following guidance about washing hands and wearing masks to avoid other families going through the same heartbreak.
Michelle’s dad David Hayman
Her dad, David Hayman, was just 60 when he died after falling ill with what he suspected was a stomach bug.
He and his wife Diane had been shielding since March, only leaving home to care for Michelle’s other three children while she gave birth to baby Isabelle, and to collect glasses from his optician.
Michelle, 37, said: “We had no idea it was Covid – neither of them had a cough, they just felt like they had a bit of a bug.
“They had started to feel a bit better but mum woke up that morning and found he had died in his sleep.
“A post mortem confirmed he had the virus. We managed to persuade mum to get checked over the day after he died and the paramedic who came out said her oxygen levels were so low that if she had gone to bed that evening she would have died too.
“I can’t believe how close we came to losing them both. They had been so careful, always washing their hands and wearing their masks and they still got it.”
David, who lived in Biddenden, died in November – just five weeks after baby Isabelle was born at the start of October. She was three weeks early, which the family now see as a blessing as he was able to meet her and enjoy a cuddle.
Michelle’s dad David Hayman with baby Isabelle
Michelle, from Herne Bay, said: “It feels like she was meant to come early so he could have that time with her.
“If she had been much later we would have been in the second lockdown and he wouldn’t have been able to see her.
“My mum had to spend two weeks in hospital, and we weren’t able to be with her or comfort her after dad died and it was the most awful thing.
“Please stick to the rules, please wash your hands. It only takes one moment to pick up the virus.
“I would hate anyone else to go through what we have experienced. My parents were so careful and they still got ill and we could so easily have lost them both.”
Diane was cared for at the William Harvey Hospital, and Michelle paid tribute to the staff for their kindness and dedication.
She said: “They were amazing and she had the best care. I can’t thank them enough for looking after her, especially when we couldn’t be with her.
“I want people to know how serious this is. It doesn’t just take the vulnerable, it can take anyone.
“Mum is home with us now but she is still unwell and has some horrendous after-effects. This is so serious and so heart-breaking for everyone left behind.”
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Latest local restrictions support grants in Sussex
We are now accepting applications from businesses for grants under the Local Restrictions Support Grant (Closed) (Addendum) scheme. This scheme will only apply whilst either tier 4 and national lockdown restrictions apply.
Who is it for?
This scheme is for businesses who are named on the Business Rates bill and have been mandated to close since the Lewes District entered tier 4 restrictions on 26 December 2020. Businesses that have not been mandated to close will not be eligible for this grant even if you have decided to close.
What period does it cover?
This grant initial covers the period 26 December 2020 (when the Lewes District entered tier 4) until 15 February 2021 (when the current national lockdown restrictions are due to be reviewed). This is a total of 52 days. If either national lockdown or tier 4 restrictions apply after the 15 February 2021, the scheme will be extended accordingly.
How much is the grant?
The initial amount of grant that you will receive is based on the rateable value of your property. Grants will be paid at the following levels:
Rateable Value of £15,000 and under – £2,477.43
Rateable Value of £15,001 to £50,999 – £3,714.29
Rateable Value of £51,000 and over – £5,571.43
Further payments will only be made under this scheme should tier 4 or national lockdown restrictions apply after the 15th February 2021.
If you experience difficulties when applying please email [email protected] with your business details, including your Business Rates account number.
Who to contact for business advice
If you need help understanding the range of measures put in place to help businesses cope with the effects of the COVID-19 outbreak, contact Business East Sussex on 01273 335878 or visit southeastbusiness.org.uk/east-sussex.
A business advisor will also be able to help you on a one to one basis on a range of matters including business planning, business continuity, leadership and management and funding and finance.
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