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An unvaccinated British mother and her daughter have died within a fortnight of each other in hospital after both contracting coronavirus, leaving their families ‘devastated’.
Sammie-Jo Forde, 32, died at Ulster hospital near Belfast last Saturday, just 11 days after her mother Heather Maddern, 55, died in the same ward on August 31.
Miss Forde’s father, Kevin McAllister, said it “will haunt me for the rest of my life” that her daughter has not taken the vaccine, adding that she is leaving behind four children.
Miss Forde and Ms Maddern – who were only two beds from each other in the hospital – were caregivers caring for elderly people in their homes.
Miss Forde, who had no underlying health issues, texted her father while she was being treated in the hospital and told him, “Dad, mum is dead.”
Mr McAllister, who also has two sons, said he did not understand why neither his daughter nor Ms Maddern, who is his ex-partner, decided not to receive the vaccine.
Kevin McAllister is pictured with his daughter Sammie-Jo Forde, who died in Ulster hospital
A funeral for Ms Maddern, who lived in Groomsport, took place three days ago on Monday – while a service for Miss Forde is scheduled to take place next Monday.
In a touching interview, Mr. McAllister said BBC Radio Five Live presenter Stephen Nolan yesterday: “I had the worst weekend of my life last weekend.
“My daughter died on Saturday, Covid-19. Her mom was buried yesterday, she had Covid-19, and they both never took the Covid-19 injections.
“My daughter was 32 years old with four children. To make matters worse, it’s her oldest son’s birthday today. He will be 13 today.
“So these people who don’t take their Covid-19 injection, they don’t think about the other people they leave behind.
“I lost my daughter, my best friend, all I have are memories of her, motorcycle racing, fishing, diggers, those are all the memories I have.
Miss Forde (right), 32, died at Ulster hospital near Belfast last Saturday, just 11 days after her mother Heather Maddern (left), 55, died in the same ward on 31 August.
“She will be buried next Monday – and I can’t give her a cheerio kiss.” May it happen to your own family, I do not wish it on anyone, what I experienced.
“I came back to work today to clear my mind, but next Monday I have to bury my firstborn, my best friend, my daughter, and I can never wonder why she didn’t. Take it. It will haunt me for the rest of my life.
He also said: “They helped other people and they couldn’t even help themselves. I just wish God she took it.
Yesterday, ten more deaths of patients who tested positive for Covid-19 were reported in Northern Ireland.
Mother and daughter both died in the same war at Ulster hospital near Belfast (file image)
The health ministry said there were also 1,304 new confirmed cases in the last 24-hour reference period.
Yesterday morning, there were 426 Covid-19 hospital patients in the hospital, including 36 in intensive care. A total of 2,498,979 vaccines were administered.
Meanwhile, the region’s immunization program chief has said Covid-19 booster shots will start being given within 10 to 12 days in Northern Ireland.
Patricia Donnelly said the rollout will begin in care homes with staff and residents, before moving on to other priority groups, including the elderly and vulnerable.
It is estimated that 900,000 people will receive the booster six months after their last dose.
Ms Donnelly said the vaccination program is also expected to start being offered to children aged 12 to 15 in schools from October.
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