This picture was taken during the later period of the first COVID-19 lockdown in April 2020 in my parents back garden when me, Joanne and Alex, visited to bring food and supplies to them as they were old and vulnerable. Bill would give Joanne a shopping list over the phone and she would buy what he wanted in the supermarket, usually Aldi as this was cheapest. The weather was sunny, warm and we met in a safe socially distanced way, all sitting on far placed seats. It was a regular weekly event during these strange dark times.
Bill was quite ill by now due to his heart valve leaking badly. He had trouble breathing, getting tired easily if he attempted any physical activity. Peg had not been to her weekly hairdresser since March but she still seemed happy enough.
At this time, we were waiting for Bill to have a TAVR catheter value replacement operation which had been delayed and rescheduled due to the lockdown. It was now overdue many months with Bill deteriorating in health noticeably. The risk of harm was assessed as very low, 94% likely success, only 6% possibly negative outcome and of this, 1% chance of death. So pretty good odds we thought. Bill was worried despite this. Telling me, he felt he might die. I told him don’t worry the risk is so low. This is one of the last pictures I have of Bill.
Weeks later, the planned garden visit before the TAVR operation on July 28th, 2020 was cancelled because Bill had to isolate before the operation. We couldn’t see him that day as arranged. He had been expecting us to call and was disappointed when we didn’t see him, mum told me later. But the COVID restrictions forbade us to see Bill. I regret not breaking the rule because I never had a cup of tea with my Dad again before he died the next Tuesday in Wythenshawe hospital.
Rest in Peace Bill and Peg
Margaret and Anthony 