‘He was the loveliest person’: Widow of Derbyshire man who died after coronavirus battle urges everyone to have vaccine

By Michael Broomhead

Published 18th Apr 2021, 09:53 GMT

Updated 18th Apr 2021, 16:17 GMT

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The widow of a Derbyshire man who died after battling coronavirus has described him as ‘the loveliest person’ – and urged everyone to have their vaccine when they are offered it.

Ian Mousley, of Creswell, passed away at Chesterfield Royal Hospital on March 6.

MORE: Family’s tribute to ‘wonderful’ Chesterfield mum who tragically died aged 31

The father-of-two was just 51-years-old.

Ian Mousley.

Ian Mousley.

“I never expected to be a widow at the age of 47,” said Nicola Mousley, who had been with Ian for 32 years and would have been married to him for 25 years in July.

“Ian tested positive for Covid-19 in February.

“He was admitted to hospital with breathing difficulties – but nobody expected the virus to have such a brutal effect on his body.

“Over three weeks Ian fought an epic battle for his life – but despite his brave efforts, it was a fight he couldn’t win.”

Ian was only 51 when he died.

Ian was only 51 when he died.

Nicola, a nurse, said she ‘cries for Ian every day’ and he is ‘very missed’ by all his family.

“He was the loveliest person – such an amazing man,” she added.

“Family was his life.”

Ian had a number of hobbies and interests over the years, including cycling and collecting comics and science fiction figurines.

Pictured with Ian (right) and his wife Nicola (centre) are, from left to right, their daughter Phoebe, her fiance Ryan Towner, and Ian and Nicola's son Oliver.

Pictured with Ian (right) and his wife Nicola (centre) are, from left to right, their daughter Phoebe, her fiance Ryan Towner, and Ian and Nicola's son Oliver.

Following Ian’s tragic death, Nicola is urging everyone to have their coronavirus vaccination when it is their turn.

She said: “I want to get across the important message that when you are offered your vaccine, please have it.

“Since my husband has passed, we have had many people tell us that they have decided to be vaccinated when previously being against it.

“If we can raise awareness from what happened to us, and prevent another family going through what we have, it would mean a lot to us.”

Nicola added: “I am also campaigning to get a memorial wall or some other permanent memorial for people who have lost their lives from Covid, similar to the one in London, but on a more local level.

“I am also in the early stages of working with a local community group to establish a bereavement group for Covid families as there is nothing currently available.

“Hopefully all these things will help to make a difference.”

After Ian died, an online fundraising page was set up to help financially support his family.

This can be accessed via https://uk.gofundme.com/f/ian-mousley-memorial.

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