Emotional tribute to 'fit and active' 80-year-old Paul, the first Covid19 victim to die at Blackpool Victoria Hospital

Paul Ramsden from Lytham was a fit and active 80-year-old who his heartbroken wife says had no underlying health conditions.

They hope that sharing his story will help make people aware of how indiscriminating the virus is and help save lives.

His wife Jacky said Paul, who worked for many years at BAE Systems until retirement 21 years ago, was a keen cyclist who would think nothing of tackling a 50-mile circuit before lunch.

He was a member of Fylde YMCA and a regular attender at the Lytham gym.

Covid-19 struck soon after Paul and Jacky, had returned from the island of La Gomera in the Canaries.

Jacky said his only obvious symptom was tiredness and it was only when she could not awaken him on Sunday morning, March 22, that it became apparent that something was seriously wrong.

Paul died five days later, on Friday, March 27.

"It’s very clear that while the vulnerable are susceptible to this virus, it also strikes down fit and healthy people," said Jacky.

"I wish people to take the Government guidelines seriously and to abide by them so we can avoid further heartbreak.

"I feel lucky to have enjoyed 40 years of love and adventure with Paul but I am saddened that our marriage has been cut short in this way."

She was full of praise for the "brave and compassionate" staff at Victoria Hospital.

"The care they gave Paul and their support for me, albeit by phone, was gold standard," said Jacky.

On graduating from Imperial College, Paul joined Rolls Royce as an apprentice in the aero engines division and in 1970 he joined BAE Systems, where he worked in Advanced Research until his retirement in 1999, latterly specialising in European Collaborative advanced research projects.

Following his retirement, he worked as a technical expert for the European Commission. He has been described by his colleagues as kind, gentle, intuitive and a delight to work with.

Jacky added: "Retirement enabled Paul to cycle more and to fulfil his wanderlust, travelling widely from the High Arctic to Antarctica, taking in the Falklands, Ascension Island, Greenland, the Galapagos to name but a few, although he was also happy soaking up the peace and quiet of the Outer Hebrides watching the wildlife."

Along with Jacky, Paul leaves leaves a son Kurt, daughter Jayne a, five grandchildren and two great grandchildren