Former Mclaren test driver, 48, and veteran soldier dad, 70, both die of coronavirus within 10 days of each other

A 45-year-old man has been left heartbroken after his older brother and dad both died of Covid-19 in the space of ten days.

Scott Rowell, 45, has been left with no immediate family after his brother Craig, 48, died on April 1 followed by his dad Bob, 70, a former soldier, on April 11.

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Scott said: “They say that lightning doesn’t strike in the same place twice, well thanks to Covid-19, I can assure you that isn’t true.

“The saddest part for me is that the government are now trying to make it possible for loved ones to be at the bedside when someone is passing but it’s too late for me.”

Scott said his older brother first showed coronavirus symptoms on March 21.

Craig, a former test driver for McLaren, contacted 111 several times and was rushed to Huddersfield Royal Infirmary (HRI) on March 30. He died just two days later.

Scott said doctors suspected his dad had also contracted the deadly virus but the former soldier, who was a Corporal in 4th/7th Royal Dragoon Guards, did not want to take up a bed that could be used by a younger person.

Bob, who had no underlying health issues, passed away at Huddersfield Royal Infirmary just ten days after his eldest son.

Scott, who lives in Brockholes in West Yorkshire, told the Huddersfield Examiner: “Craig passed away on April 1 in HRI and my dad just 10 days later, also in HRI.

“My dad was a former soldier and was making the most of his retirement.

“He moved to Huddersfield after losing his wife, my mum Bernie, just two years ago.

“Craig was a former test driver for McLaren. He moved to Huddersfield last year to be close to my dad and myself and was just about to start work with the Fire Service.

“Both of them were enjoying their new lives in Yorkshire, catching up with family and friends that still live in the area.

“They also joined a local kit car club where they could enjoy their joint passion of sports cars and driving in our beautiful countryside.

“In just 10 days I have been left with no immediate family, I’m just 45 years old and never imagined that this could happen.”

Scott, who is married to “amazing” wife Leanne, told the Sun Online he was frustrated with the response he got when his family contacted 111.

He told the Sun Online: “Their deaths were both very sudden, about a week of illness each and a couple of days in hospital before I lost them both.

“The problem is, I don’t think people understand how deadly this virus is until it gets someone they know.

“The 111 service just kept telling my Dad that they both needed to self isolate when they should have been in hospital from the first signs.

“Also all we’re really told about symptoms is the new persistent cough and fever but neither of them had those, but they were being sick and in a lot of pain all over.”

Scott thanked the NHS staff who had cared for his brother and dad.

“I am in awe of them all”, he said.

NHS bosses yesterday announced there had been a further 888 hospital deaths reported in the last 24 hours – bringing the toll in the UK to 15,464.

This figure includes at least 60 health workers.

Among the new victims was paramedic Barry England, 58, who was just four shifts away from retiring.