Family of grandad, 78, killed by coronavirus warn ‘take this seriously’ after bug was mistaken for chest infection

THE family of a granddad who has died of coronavirus have spoken out today after his symptoms were confused with a chest infection.

Leonard Gibson, 78, died in Sheffield's Northern General Hospital, South Yorks., this morning after being diagnosed with COVID-19 last week.

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His devastated daughters, Lisa Broughton, 50, and Michelle Lenton, 51, say they regret not questioning whether he had the virus sooner.

As of this evening, 71 people have died from the illness in the UK.

Leonard, who lived in sheltered accommodation in Oughtibridge, near Sheffield, had been prescribed antibiotics for a chest infection after feeling unwell for a few days.

He was eventually admitted to hospital last Saturday.

The grandfather-of-four had the lung disease chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) which doctors believed were the cause of the symptoms.

His daughter, NHS worker Lisa, from nearby Catcliffe, said she regrets not questioning the possibility that her dad had COVID-19 and urged other families to voice their concerns "before it is too late".

She said: "Our dad had COPD so when he started with a cough and breathing difficulties it was diagnosed as a chest infection.

"They were common symptoms of his health condition and that is where the problem lies.

"These coronavirus symptoms are going hidden because people are not suggesting it as they don't think it will happen to them - but it can and it will unless more people start to demand to be tested."

Lisa said that ignoring the signs of the bug, which has killed more than 7,800 worldwide, could be "fatal."

She added: "Notice the symptoms and take action.

"Nobody knows how this is going to end, but it is here now and it is claiming lives."

Leonard, who had 12 siblings, was born in County Tyrone, Northern Ireland, and came to South Yorkshire to work when he was 26.

He spent a number of years at Orgreave cooking plant and brought up his family in Woodhouse, Sheffield.

He returned to Ireland when his marriage ended but moved back to Sheffield two years ago to be closer to his daughters.

Lisa said he was "kind, loving, generous, crazy and fun loving".

She said he would be remembered by his friends and all those at his sheltered housing complex as "a jolly Irish man who made everyone smile".

Teaching assistant Michelle said: "We are heartbroken and pray no one has to endure what we have over the last few days.

"We have no way of knowing how or when he contracted it."

The family is self-isolating as a precaution.