Ambulance worker who died with coronavirus ‘was 100% dedicated’

The wife of an ambulance worker who died with coronavirus said “he wanted to help out and do his bit”.

Charlie Goodwin, 61, died on April 20 with Covid-19 having spent almost two weeks in intensive care, according to his wife of 26 years.

“It’s just totally unreal,” said Julie Goodwin, 55, from Bilsthorpe, Nottinghamshire. “I’ve gone to bed in one world and woken up in another. It’s happened that fast.”

Mr Goodwin worked for first4care, an ambulance service near Mansfield. He developed a cough before struggling to eat and drink, as well as having difficulty with stairs.

He was taken to King’s Mill Hospital where he tested positive for Covid-19. He spent 11 days in intensive care before he died.

“He was 100% dedicated to his job, it was his life,” said Mrs Goodwin. “He loved it. He loved the people.

“I tried to get him not to go due to (our) kids’ special needs and my asthma, and he said he would be absolutely fine, he’d got the right PPE and he’d got to go. He wanted to help out and do his bit.”

Mr Goodwin is survived by his wife and two children, 25 and 26, who both have autism and global development delay.

First4care paid tribute to Mr Goodwin’s “cheeky smile”.

“Charlie was an enormously respected member of our first4care patient transport team and he more than played his part supporting the nation’s cause and assisting our NHS clients during this horrendous crisis,” a statement read.

“It is the selfless actions like Charlie’s, his 140 colleagues and many others on the front line that are invaluable and will enable the UK to beat this horrible disease.

“We’re devastated to have lost such a dedicated member of our team, a true gentleman who gave everything for first4care, and always with his cheeky smile.”