Tributes paid to 'much-loved' hospital worker who died after contracting coronavirus

Tributes have been paid to a hospital worker from Wrexham who has died after testing positive for coronavirus.

Andy Treble, 57, died on Wednesday, 15 April, at Wrexham Maelor Hospital.

He left from retirement to volunteer at the hospital, where he had worked for almost 40 years, and has been described as a 'kind man' who always had a smile on his face.

His daughter Emily, 17, said she was "proud to call him her father".

Mr Treble had worked at Wrexham Maelor Hospital for almost 40 years. Credit: ITV Cymru Wales

Mr Treble had worked at Wrexham Maelor Hospital as a theatre assistant.

Speaking to ITV News, his sister Maria Molloy said: "He put on Facebook him in PPE and said this is what I've got to work in now and we'd all made jokes about it with my dad."

But his family and colleagues were shocked when he died just days after his father passed away.

Ms Molloy praised his colleagues for how they dealt with the situation.

Maria said: "Andy absolutely loved working at the Maelor, his colleagues were his other family.

"He had a very kind nature and always put everyone else before himself. He was always laughing and smiling, he was such a good man."

Mr Treble also leaves behind three other sisters, Caroline, Pauline and Linda.

David Bevan, Theatre Manager at Wrexham Maelor Hospital, said: “The theatre team wish to send sincere condolences to Andy’s family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

“Andy was a well-loved colleague and friend to us all. His loss has left a hole in his theatre family and he will be sadly missed by everyone.

"Andy was a hardworking, caring and compassionate member of our team with a wonderful sense of humour that touched us all.

“Rest in peace Andy – our colleague and friend”.

In a joint statement, Betsi Cadwaladr Health Board’s Chief Executive Simon Dean and Chairman Mark Polin, said: “We offer our deepest condolences to Andy’s family, friends and colleagues at this terribly sad time.

"Every death from COVID-19 is devastating for loved ones, but when it is a colleague, it is all the more poignant.

“Andy was proud to work for the Health Service and dedicated his career to caring for others. He had worked at the Maelor for almost 40 years and was well-loved by his colleagues, who describe him as hardworking, caring and compassionate."

On Thursday 16, Betsi Cadwaladr shared a video of staff at Wrexham Maelor Hospital singing 'You'll Never Walk Alone' in tribute to Mr Treble.

They were joined by staff form North Wales Police and North Wales Fire and Rescue. The tribute was also part of clap for carers - a weekly round of applause to thank those working on the frontline.