Family and colleagues launch campaign to raise money for bench in memory of Leamington Rehabilitation Hospital porter who died of Coronavirus

Thousands of pounds have been raised in memory of a hospital porter who died of Coronavirus as a result of working on the frontline and helping others during the pandemic.
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Martin Allsopp, 65, worked at the Leamington Rehabilitation Hospital, where is wife Jean also works as a healthcare assistant.

But on January 15 he started to show symptoms of Covid-19.

After receiving a positive test result he was examined by his doctor remotely and subsequently taken to A&E for a closer assessment.

Martin Allsopp and his wife Jean.Martin Allsopp and his wife Jean.
Martin Allsopp and his wife Jean.
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This resulted in him being sedated and placed on a ventilator.

Donations made to the JustGiving page set up by Martin's family will go towards a memorial bench at the hospital

His son, Luke Allsopp, said: "He fought this virus tooth and nail - something he promised he would do - for 16 days but the damage done to his lungs was too great and the decision to spare him anymore pain was given.

We said goodbye to my dad on February 9th 2021.

Martin Allsopp.Martin Allsopp.
Martin Allsopp.

"The year he was due to retire and spend the rest of his life with my mum.

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"This has been one of the most horrendous times for our family.

"Dad's funeral is yet to take place, but rather than flood the crematorium with flowers - my dad wasn't the sentimental type - we thought a humble donation to raise funds for a small bench on the grounds of the rehab hospital would be a nice memorial for him.

"My dad believed in the work he did and I know he'd be proud he went out on his shield helping others."

Martin Allsopp and his wife Jean.Martin Allsopp and his wife Jean.
Martin Allsopp and his wife Jean.

Staff at the hospital have clapped in Martin's honour (see video) and have set up their own fundraising page in his memory.

https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/inmemoryofmartin

On the page people have left messages in tribute.

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One has said: "Martin was a true gem with a great sense of humour.

Another said: "Martin was always smiling, even when you were walking over his freshly mopped floor.

"I will miss him greatly.

And another said: "Martin was the first person I spoke to in the morning when entering work, he would set me up for the day with his witty sense of humour and positive outlook."

Any extra money raised past the £500 target on each page will be donated to the hospital.

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