Remembering the lives lost to coronavirus in the North-East and Yorkshire

Each day we learn of more deaths as statistics continue to show a rise in the number of coronavirus patient deaths – a rise that has thankfully started to slow in recent weeks. Behind those statistics lie so many human stories of lives well lived, and others cut cruelly short. 

That’s why The Northern Echo is today paying tribute to some of those that this pandemic has taken, so they can be remembered for who they were – and not just as a number. Here are some of their stories.

Caroline Saunby, from New Marske

The mother of six-year-old twin boys died at James Cook University Hospital on Sunday, March 29 after contracting Covid-19. She had no known underlying health conditions.

As well as her beloved boys, Joseph and Elliot, the 48-year-old leaves behind her husband Vic, parents Megan and Colin and four siblings, including twin sister Sarah Jarvis, who said that the virus has “ripped the entire family apart.”

She added: “My only solace is knowing that Caroline was able to meet the love of her life and have her beautiful boys who were her entire world.”

Margaret ‘Margie’ Blyth of Sunderland

A "local hero," much loved and dedicated charity worker, Margaret 'Margie' Blyth worked at the North East Autism Society for more than 18 years.

Mrs Blyth, who made an impact on the service-users of the charity, was described as devoted to both her work and her loving family.

Paying tribute, her son, Jon said: “She was so proud to work for the Society – I tried to get her to retire but she wouldn’t because she loved working there. She was a very strong woman who always put others first.”

She died in hospital, aged 66, last month.

Mrs Blyth leaves behind husband Peter, children, Rachael and Jon, two grandchildren – Jacob, six, and Charlie, 11 months – and a step great grandchild, Oliver, five.

Ian Ridley of Peterlee

Everybody "knew and loved" taxi driver and family man, Ian Ridley, who died last month.

Mr Ridley, 55, who was described by his wife Margaret as a "gentleman," got to know and became respected by the community over the years.

Paying tribute, Mrs Ridley said: "It is is absolutely tragic. There are no words for it. He was just such a gentleman. He was loved by everybody.

"I understand there are thousands of families in the same boat. The support we have have on social media has been overwhelming."

At Mr Ridley's funeral, more than 180 taxi drivers from across East Durham lined the streets of Peterlee to pay their heartfelt tributes.

Mrs Ridley added: "He will be truly missed by the whole family - the kids and the grandkids."

Ruth Turnbull of Durham

A "warm, kind, generous and fun loving" mother, wife and daughter, Ruth Turnbull had fascinating career and a taste for travel.

Ms Turnbull had worked in a chemist, a baker's, for an insurance company, the coal board and also volunteered as a Special Constable.

She had been happily married to husband Harry for a number of years until his death in 1993.

Deciding to "live life to the full" for the both of them, Ms Turnbull travelled the world over a number of years to the likes of Australia, New Zealand, Brazil, Argentina, Cambodia, Borneo, Kenya, South Africa as well as many parts of Europe.

She died aged 82 at Stanley Park Care Home last month.

Rebecca Mack of Morpeth

A former children's nurse at the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle, Rebecca Mack had cared for hundreds of children over the space of her career.

The 29-year-old, who eventually went on to work for a mental health trust, died at the beginning of April.

Ms Mack was described as a "devoted friend" and an "incredible nurse".

One of her best friends, Sarah Bredin-Kemp said: "She was fiercely independent and I have no doubt she would have kept achieving. In her 29 years she helped more people than most will in a lifetime.

"She was so proud of her work and so happy to have such amazing work friends. She was one of a kind. And she'll be missed whole-heartedly by so many."

"She was one of a kind. And she'll be missed whole-heartedly by so many."

Jennifer Whitfield of Darlington

A "force to be reckoned with" but a woman with a "heart of gold," Jennifer Whitfield of Cockerton was cherished by her entire family.

Ms Whitfield, who had lived in Darlington her entire life, was known for spending quality time with her grandchildren and 'spoiling them' with attention.

Paying an emotional tribute, granddaughter Emma Whitfield said: "Her family were her absolute everything, she was always helping someone out, whether I needed a hole in my favourite trousers fixing to helping with things for mine and my sisters' houses.

"She gave the best advice, she was funny and always making daft jokes, she would do anything for anyone."

Ms Whitfield died at Darlington Memorial Hospital on Sunday, April 5.

She leaves behind husband Lionel, their son Simon and five grandchildren Emma, Katy, Simon, Summer and Matthew.

John Ernest Recker of Darlington

A familiar face in Darlington, John Ernest Recker worked for high street chain Woolworths for more than thirty years.

Mr Recker, who died aged 84 on April 11 at Riverside View Care Home, was described as a "generous and all-round community man."

He worked at the Northgate store for several years, where he got to know everyone in the town.

Paying tribute, daughter Fiona, said: "He did lots of charity work in and around Darlington when he was at Woolworths, most Easters he would donate Easter eggs to Darlington Memorial Hospital. He loved the town and the community.

"He loved cars, he had a grey Jaguar XJS and he would always take us out places – he was so ambitious for his children and wanted us to do well but enjoy ourselves.”

Mr Recker leaves behind his children Fiona, David, June, Abigail and Robert.

Josiane Zauma Ebonja Ekoli of Yorkshire

Josiane Zauma Ebonja Ekoli, also known as 'Josie' worked at Harrogate District Hospital as an agency nurse.

The 55-year-old was described as "god-fearing, strong, beautiful and caring" by her daughter Naomie.

Her daughter said: "It meant everything to be a nurse, she's being doing it for as long as I remember, more than 30 years."

Jill Foster, chief nurse at Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust, said: "Zauma Ekoli, known as Josie, was a much-valued agency nurse who has worked with the Trust for the past two years."

She leaves behind her five children and her colleagues who said she will be sadly missed.

Fiona Anderson of Sunderland

A "passionate and highly committed" community staff nurse, Fiona Anderson died on April 26.

Ms Anderson, who had cared for thousands of patients in both Sunderland South Tyneside, was passionate about her role in the NHS.

She had worked at the Grindon Lane Primary Care Centre for a number of years.

Her sister Sarah Anderson said: "We are incredibly proud of Fiona, she died doing what she loved, working for the NHS and caring for those in need.

"Always in our hearts and never forgotten."

In a joint statement, the Trust’s chief executive Ken Bremner and executive director of nursing Melanie Johnson, paid tribute to her.

They said: “Fiona devoted her life to helping others and joined the Trust in 2007, working as a staff nurse at Sunderland Royal Hospital and South Tyneside District Hospital before joining the community as a staff nurse in 2019."

Barry Murray of Hartlepool

Described as "fiercely competitive" on the pitch, Barry Murray died aged 72 over the Easter Weekend in Hartlepool.

Mr Murray helped set up FC Hartlepool back in 1993 - developing it from a Hartlepool Church League side.

Paying tribute, manager Terry Hill added: “I had the joy of playing/managing both for and against Barry’s teams.

"Don’t be fooled by his nice demeanour - he was fiercely competitive."

Barry’s son Chris is on the committee of the club, and coach Mark Loynes said: “He was well known in the grassroots football community – a top class bloke who loved his football.

"I will miss that laugh on matchdays, you could hear it from a mile away.

“He will be sadly missed, but we as a club will get FC Hartlepool to where it should be and that is massively all down to the work that Barry has put in from the start.’’

Professor Gita Ramjee formerly of Sunderland

South African HIV scientist, formerly of the University of Sunderland, Professor Gita Ramjee 'devoted' her life to the field of HIV prevention.

Prof Ramjee, who was highly respected for her tenacity to save lives from the disease, died in hospital near Durban, South Africa on March 31.

Prof Ramjee had been working as the chief scientific officer at the Aurum Institute, a leading authority in the fight against HIV and tuberculosis.

Paying tribute, vice-chancellor of the university, expressed his sadness on behalf of the university and sent his condolences to Prof Ramjee’s family.

He said: “Gita Ramjee was a brilliant scientist who made an outstanding contribution to humanity through her work in alleviating disease and suffering.

"We were extremely proud of all that she achieved and we mourn her loss very much. Our deepest sympathies go to her family at this very sad time”.

Geoff Walker of Darlington

A former councillor and member of the Labour party for more than 50 years, Geoff Walker died aged 84 on April 12.

Mr Walker, who was described as a "trusted and reliable colleague," was a member of Darlington Borough Council for more than a decade.

Chris McEwan, who served as councillor for the Haughton East ward, said: “After retirement he used to leaflet for me.

"I missed a call once and got him the next day - asked ‘what's up’ - he calmly told me that he half his finger bitten off by a dog but was more concerned that he hadn’t finished delivering the leaflets.

"He was an absolute legend.”

Members of the local Labour party described him as diligent in all he did, courteous and always willing to speak out,

During his time as a member of the party, he held many positions in his local branch, including as treasurer for many years.

He was well-known in Haughton and continued to support his successors after leaving the council in 2011.

Tom Harvey of Hartlepool

A stalwart of grassroots sport in Hartlepool and County Durham, Tom Harvey was due to turn 87 just days before he died in April.

Club president of FC Hartlepool, in 2007 the vice president of Durham FA was awarded with a gold medal and mementoes from the FA and Durham FA to commemorate 50 years of service with both associations.

He was also a long-standing member of the Hartlepool Male Voice Choir, one of eight referees in the group and quipped: "We don't sing, we whistle.’’

Paying tribute, his son Anthony said: “Dad was chairman of various leagues and clubs, in both football and cricket for over 20 years and all of it was voluntary. The door was always open for help and advice to anyone and his family was always looked after.

“It is amazing the amount of associations he was involved with. His list of achievements goes on and on.

“He always interested in football and how Pools were getting on – that never left him after he went into care."

Stephen Pearson of Cramlington

An individual who "dedicated his life to mental health" and an "incredible dad", 51-year-old Stephen Pearson died in April.

Mr Pearson, who had worked for the Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Trust, helped vulnerable patients for more than 30 years.

His daughter, Rebecca Pearson told the BBC: "I find myself smiling every time I think about my dad he was just the most incredible man.

"The venture he was most proud of was being part of the Newcastle street triage team which is for people in their darkest hours.

"Words cannot describe how proud we are of all of him, just a natural carer, like a big brother from a very, very young age and his goal, other than to be the best dad, the best brother, the best son was to save lives, and he did.

"He was always on his feet, when he was on the ward he was always running around and when he went to the street triage he was here, there and everywhere.

"You can't be unfit in his job - you've got to be there in a split second when people need you."

He leaves behind his wife Anne, and two daughters, Rebecca, 26, and Bethany, 20.

Margaret Beck of Sunderland

A community champion, former trade unionist and councillor, mother and grandmother Margaret Beck died on March 27.

Mrs Beck, 70, a former Sunderland City Councillor, was described as a 'tireless campaigner' who would be sadly missed by the city and community.

Washington and Sunderland West branch of the Labour party said: “It is with great sadness that we learn of the passing of our friend, colleague and former councillor for Fulwell ward, Margaret Beck.

“Margaret was a tireless campaigner for her community and will be sadly missed by all who were lucky enough to have known her.

Mrs Beck leaves husband Richard, daughter Theresa and grandson, Ryan.

Howard Clarke

A "well-liked and highly successful" principal in Stockton and the Tees Valley, Howard Clarke died aged 76 on April 2.

Mr Clarke, former principal of Stockton Sixth Form College, was well known for lobbying the government for better funding for post-16 education.

Paying tribute, a statement on Mr Clarke's death said: "Howard was the most generous of men. He enjoyed life to the full, travelling extensively and in particular to India where he could indulge in his love of history and all things military.

"Howard will be remembered by his many friends and family for his generosity, fondness for a glass of wine and especially for his laugh. His wife Diana would like to thank all the staff at North Tees Hospital who looked after Howard with such care and compassion."

Dixon J Scott of Middleton-in-Teesdale 

Ricky Payne, known to many as Dixon J Scott, died on Wednesday, April 1 having been struck down by Covid-19 less than two weeks earlier.

Mr Payne of Middleton-in-Teesdale, County Durham, was a solo cabaret and country music singer and sang with country and western bands including Custer’s Land Band and Ridge Riders.

Paying tribute to Mr Payne, his wife Jill Payne said: “He had a very strong following but was very humble, he didn’t realise how good he was.

"His signature tune on the North-East circuit was My Son, the number of grown men reduced to tears when he sang that is unbelievable. I’m very proud.”

• Would you like to pay tribute to a lost loved one through The Northern Echo? Get in touch at newsdesk@nne.co.uk, call 01325 505054 or message us at Facebook.com/thenorthernecho