Two carers have shared their emotional personal stories about the impact of Covid in order to urge people not to become complacent after lockdown is lifted.

So-called ‘Freedom Day’ is due to take place on July 19, when all legal restrictions will be lifted and people will be asked to "make their own informed decisions about how to manage the virus”.

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But for Helston carers Irene Rowe and Sarah Fry the news has come with some trepidation, after personally experiencing the worst possible scenarios around the virus.

Both work at Cornwall Care’s Trengrouse Home in Helston and know only too well how devastating Covid can be, not just through work but to their home lives.

Like other staff and residents, Irene and Sarah caught the virus during an outbreak at the home in early January. Their diabetic husbands also became ill and were admitted to hospital within one day of each other.

Malcolm, aged 62 and married to Irene for 44 years, was a much-loved local driver for the 111 out of hours service but sadly died on February 16.

Meanwhile Sarah’s husband Steve, aged 56 and also a carer, spent five weeks in intensive care and, though now back at home, is seriously ill with long Covid.

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Irene said: “We weren’t allowed to visit so the last time I saw Malcolm alive was when he somewhat reluctantly agreed to go to hospital because he was having breathing problems.

“I wish I could have been there with him, but it just wasn’t possible.”

The mum of four and grandmother of eight, who has worked at Trengrouse for 20 years and is its longest serving member of staff, recently attended the Big Lunch at the Eden Project where she found herself talking to the Queen.

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“She was so nice,” said Irene. “I told her we were both in the same boat having recently been widowed and she agreed. Meeting her was amazing and I couldn’t help imagining Malcolm looking down and being a bit jealous.”

Highly respected and admired as someone who gave his all to the local community, Malcolm’s funeral included his former colleagues forming a socially distanced guard of honour outside the crematorium. A tree close to where he parked his car at Helston Community Hospital also has a plaque in his memory.

“I still don’t believe he’s gone,” said Irene. “It was his birthday on Boxing Day and his presents are still upstairs.”

Colleague Steve Fry has worked as a carer at Trengrouse, alongside his wife, for more than seven years. He had been off sick when the virus struck in January.

“He was hospitalised for two months,” said Sarah. “It’s lovely to have him home but he’s very poorly. His breathing seems to be getting worse and the respiratory team are in daily contact to see how he’s getting on.”

Horrible as the last six months have undoubtedly been, Irene and Sarah say that their friendship – and the support they are getting from their Cornwall Care colleagues – is proving invaluable.

“Being there for one another really helps,” said Sarah. “Irene understands what I’m going through and I’m doing everything I can to help her too. We’re a close-knit team at Trengrouse and that’s been so important.”

So what do Irene and Sarah think about Covid restrictions being significantly eased?

“We urge everyone to get their vaccines and be sensible,” said Irene. “Covid is still with us and we know how lethal it is from personal experience.

“Please take care and think about the safety of others, just as much as your own.”