A BLACKBURN man has died from Covid-19 after several weeks spent battling the disease in intensive care.

Brian Lynch, owner of Lynch Removals Ltd, was admitted to Royal Blackburn Hospital on 12 July before being placed in a medically induced coma. He passed away with his family by his side on 31 July.

The 46-year-old had not yet taken a Covid-19 vaccine as he was 'waiting for more information', but told friends after being admitted to hospital that he planned to get the jab if he recovered.

Writing on Facebook on July 7, he said: 'Last week I wasn't feeling well and despite what I think about testing and Covid vaccines, I sent off for a PCR test more in the interests of my family, friends and business customers. It came back positive.

'I'll be honest, I thought it was the vulnerable and the elderly who got hospitalised. Well, as I found out the hard way, my oxygen levels went down to 52 per cent and I could not get my breath.

'It's the most frightened I've ever been and I felt like I was being suffocated in my own body.'

Mr Lynch went on to say that he had been put on a ventilator in intensive care, alongside a defiant selfie from ICU, saying that he was determined to strengthen his lungs before saying 'hopefully I'll be out soon'.

Nicky Ashton had been organising a fun day at the Havelock Inn to raise funds for Mr Lynch and family ahead of his return home.

She said: "Brian would have wanted the day to go ahead. We filled the pub inside and out - the day turned into a celebration full of love, tears and lots of talk and fond memories of Brian.

Lancashire Telegraph: Family Fun Day for Mr Lynch at the Havelock InnFamily Fun Day for Mr Lynch at the Havelock Inn

"Most of Blackburn followed his story over the three weeks that Brian was in a coma and almost everyone you spoke to knew of his fight.

"He really was one of the best people, that would help anyone out and he will be missed so much by so many."

Mr Lynch's funeral will be held at Pleasington Crematorium on 13 August at 1.30pm, but Covid-19 restrictions means that seats for the service are limited. However, the service can be listened to from outside the crematorium and it will be live streamed at the Havelock marquee.

The procession will pass the Havelock Inn pub, where everyone will be given the opportunity to pay their respects.

People are encouraged to wear the colour green and let off green smoke flares, a colour synonymous with Mr Lynch.