Family of popular musician and chef 'unable to say proper goodbye' after coronavirus death
The family of a popular musician and chef, who died after contracting coronavirus, say they "weren't able to say goodbye" after only a handful of people could attend his funeral due to coronavirus restrictions.
Adolf Hines, who was fondly known as Junior, from St Paul's in Bristol died last month after contracting the virus. Dozens of people lined the streets for the funeral procession last week, with musicians performing outside the Malcom X Community Centre.
But his cousin Maxine Hawthorne said his last days were spent alone in intensive care.
"We couldn't get any information during his last days so it was just a sudden phone call to say he had passed. At the funeral not being able to hug and people not being able to hug you. It was a strange experience. It's an experience no one should have to go through."
Junior moved from Jamaica ten years ago to help work in the family restaurant. He was described as a "kind and humble" man who was also a talented chef.
On more than one occasion his cousin Thelma recounts moments when people queued to eat his oatmeal porridge before the restaurant had even opened.
Music was also a huge part of Junior's life and he joined the Bristol Reggae Orchestra as a saxophonist.
Thelma said, "he loved his family and friends, and was just a humble man. I remember there was one special occasion when we were at the concert in St George's house and he played it really well."
Junior had diabetes and was 67 when he caught the virus. It has now emerged that a third of Covid-19 related deaths in England are associated with the condition.
His cousins Maxine and Thelma fundraised more than £3000 for the funeral, where they were "amazed" by how popular and well loved he was in the community. They say they're thankful for all the support.
Watch Max Walsh's report here: