Funeral takes place for "Kind" and "dedicated" paramedic who contracted Covid-19

Charlie Goodwin was an ambulance driver for over 20 years Credit: MEN Media

The funeral takes place today of a paramedic who died in hospital after contracting coronavirus.

Charlie Goodwin, 61, from Bilsthorpe near Mansfield, had worked as an ambulance driver for more than 20 years and was described as "totally dedicated to his work."

He was rushed to King's Mill Hospital in Sutton-in-Ashfield on April 8. He tested positive for Covid-19 and was admitted to intensive care and died 12 days later.

Ambulances are expected to line the route to Mansfield Crematorium in a show of respect.

His wife, Julie Goodwin, has described her husband as "very kind" and "totally dedicated to his work."

His son Daniel said his father was a man who "gave 110 percent to his job and family."

Mrs Goodwin said that when the coronavirus outbreak began her husband immediately wanted to "get out there" to help people.

She says since his death she has received lots of messages from her husband's colleagues who all thought very highly of him.

Mrs Goodwin said: "We could not go to hospital and I could not go with him to hospital and we could not even go and see him in the chapel of rest."

She wants people to stay at home to prevent other people from going through a similar experience. She said: "I just want to tell people to stay in and stop being stupid."

Charlie Goodwin is one of over a hundred health and care workers to have died after contracting Coronavirus.

Jonathan Lightbody, managing director for First 4 Care, said: "Charlie was a positive influence on many and colleagues couldn’t help but be inspired by Charlie’s work ethic and dedication.

"I wish we had a team of Charlies but of course we can’t, and I doubt we’ll ever be blessed with another Charlie. Charlie was uniquely Charlie.

"He 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.

"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."