thedailymirror--2020-04-02--NHS heroes promised 100,000 virus checks per day - but not until end of April

Matt Hancock finally announced a boost in testing for coronavirus , amid fierce criticism for delays over the vital checks that may have cost lives .
As millions of Brits last night once again stood on doorsteps to applaud NHS staff and carers , the Health Secretary pledged 100,000 more tests – but admitted that figure will not be reached until the end of the month .
Just 5,000 frontline NHS workers have so far been checked , sparking fury among those putting their lives on the line to battle the killer virus .
As the UK death toll climbed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the previous day – Jeremy Corbyn said : “ The fact that we are not yet even testing 10,000 people a day is very serious indeed .
“ There are almost half a million people working in the NHS and the care sector .
Even they have not yet been tested .
It is ludicrous .
We have got to get on top of testing.
” Shadow Health Secretary Jon Ashworth added : “ A commitment to 100,000 tests a day by the end of the month is welcome but NHS staff will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Boris Johnson was promising 250,000 a day .
Follow all the latest coronavirus updates on our live blog here “ We look forward to seeing the details of how this commitment will be delivered especially for NHS and care staff for which is now a pressing and urgent priority .
“ After all , it ’ s taken us weeks to get to 10,000 tests just today.
” Acting Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey said : “ The Government must set out exactly when every NHS and social worker will be tested.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ need tests ” will be able to get them “ before the end of the month ” .
Pledging it was “ a firm commitment ” .
Making his first public appearance since a week-long self-isolation with the disease , Mr Hancock also wrote off £13.4billion of NHS debt .
He blamed the lack of a UK diagnostics industry for the small number carried out so far .
The Government also bowed to pressure to let universities and private firms carry out testing – revealing Amazon and Boots were helping with a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ including those at Oxford and Nottingham universities claim their offer of help with testing was ignored .
The Francis Crick Institute in London offered 110 lab staff a fortnight ago and was only belatedly being taken up on the offer .
Chief executive Sir Paul Nurse said its research lab could carry out 500 tests daily by next week , rising to 2,000 .
He added : “ A metaphor here is Dunkirk , we are a lot of little boats and the little boats can be effective.
” Cancer Research UK laboratories @ @ @ @ @ @ @ skills ” .
Ten new devices that can diagnose Covid-19 in less than 90 minutes are being deployed at Addenbrooke ’ s Hospital , Cambridge .
The Medical Research Council ’ s Human Genetics Unit at Edinburgh University is set to provide testing support , the Mirror understands .
* No10 confirmed Britain ’ s lockdown would not be reviewed before Easter .
* Mr Hancock called on Premier League footballers to “ take a pay cut ” to play their part in the national effort to tackle coronavirus .
* He also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ passport ” for people who have had the disease and are immune , which would allow them to work .
The 100,000 tests include antigen swabs to see if someone has had Covid-19 and antibody blood checks to confirm if they have had it and developed immunity .
Professor John Newton , of Manchester University , said : “ The initial priority is for the swab tests , because that will allow the NHS to manage critically ill patients to the best they possibly can and also to allow NHS staff and other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when they can .
“ The antibody tests are ideally done 28 days after an infection.
” Speaking at the daily Downing Street briefing , Mr Hancock said : “ I understand why NHS staff want tests , so they can get back to the front line .
“ But I took the decision that the first priority has to be the patients for whom the results of a test could be the difference in treatment that is the difference between life and death.
” NHS staff trying to get tested at makeshift @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wembley , told of the chaos as people were turned away for not having ID or appointments .
One , Louise Knight , wrote : “ Off I drive to be tested .
Only to be turned away as I had no appointment.
” Another at Wembley said :  “ Apparently I need a referral from my NHS trust .
No contact details .
“ In a space of five minutes eight staff were turned back.
” Last night ’ s applause also honoured teachers , cleaners , supermarket workers and delivery @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country running .
Celebs marking the event included Sir Elton John , Sir Mo Farah , Kylie Minogue , Anthony Joshua and Ray Winstone .
Staff at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital in West London also joined in the applause .
Rows of graves were being prepared by a mechanical digger at Sixmile Cemetery in Co Antrim yesterday .
The number of coronavirus cases across the world topped one million .
Boris Johnson was due to leave self-isolation today but was still suffering mild symptoms , No10 said .

mirrornews@mirror.co.uk (Ben Glaze, Martin Bagot, Mikey Smith)

Matt Hancock: 'I will seek to ensure all NHS frontline workers and their families get tested over the next few weeks'
Matt Hancock: 'I will seek to ensure all NHS frontline workers and their families get tested over the next few weeks'
Just 5,000 frontline NHS workers have so far been checked, sparking fury among those putting their lives on the line to battle the killer coronavirus which has now claimed 2,921 lives in the UK
NHS heroes promised 100,000 coronavirus checks per day - but not until end of April
Matt Hancock finally announced a boost in testing for coronavirus, amid fierce criticism for delays over the vital checks that may have cost lives.
As millions of Brits last night once again stood on doorsteps to applaud NHS staff and carers, the Health Secretary pledged 100,000 more tests – but admitted that figure will not be reached until the end of the month.
Just 5,000 frontline NHS workers have so far been checked, sparking fury among those putting their lives on the line to battle the killer virus.
As the UK death toll climbed to 2,921 yesterday – up 569 on the previous day – Jeremy Corbyn said: “The fact that we are not yet even testing 10,000 people a day is very serious indeed.
“There are almost half a million people working in the NHS and the care sector. Even they have not yet been tested. It is ludicrous. We have got to get on top of testing.” Shadow Health Secretary Jon Ashworth added: “A commitment to 100,000 tests a day by the end of the month is welcome but NHS staff will recall that only a few weeks ago Boris Johnson was promising 250,000 a day.
Follow all the latest coronavirus updates on our live blog here
Image: 10 Downing Street/AFP via Getty) 10 Downing Street/AFP via Getty)
“We look forward to seeing the details of how this commitment will be delivered especially for NHS and care staff for which is now a pressing and urgent priority.
“After all, it’s taken us weeks to get to 10,000 tests just today.”
Acting Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey said: “The Government must set out exactly when every NHS and social worker will be tested.”
Mr Hancock insisted NHS staff who “need tests” will be able to get them “before the end of the month”. Pledging it was “a firm commitment”.
Making his first public appearance since a week-long self-isolation with the disease, Mr Hancock also wrote off £13.4billion of NHS debt.
He blamed the lack of a UK diagnostics industry for the small number carried out so far. The Government also bowed to pressure to let universities and private firms carry out testing – revealing Amazon and Boots were helping with a dedicated lab. But some labs, including those at Oxford and Nottingham universities claim their offer of help with testing was ignored.
Image: Getty Images) Getty Images) Image: REUTERS) REUTERS)
The Francis Crick Institute in London offered 110 lab staff a fortnight ago and was only belatedly being taken up on the offer.
Chief executive Sir Paul Nurse said its research lab could carry out 500 tests daily by next week, rising to 2,000. He added: “A metaphor here is Dunkirk, we are a lot of little boats and the little boats can be effective.”
Cancer Research UK laboratories will provide “vital testing kit and skills”. Ten new devices that can diagnose Covid-19 in less than 90 minutes are being deployed at Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge.
The Medical Research Council’s Human Genetics Unit at Edinburgh University is set to provide testing support, the Mirror understands.
In other developments:
* No10 confirmed Britain’s lockdown would not be reviewed before Easter.
* Mr Hancock called on Premier League footballers to “take a pay cut” to play their part in the national effort to tackle coronavirus.
* He also revealed the Government is planning a “passport” for people who have had the disease and are immune, which would allow them to work.
The 100,000 tests include antigen swabs to see if someone has had Covid-19 and antibody blood checks to confirm if they have had it and developed immunity.
Professor John Newton, of Manchester University, said: “The initial priority is for the swab tests, because that will allow the NHS to manage critically ill patients to the best they possibly can and also to allow NHS staff and other key workers to come back to work when they can.
Image: AFP via Getty Images) AFP via Getty Images)
“The antibody tests are ideally done 28 days after an infection.” Speaking at the daily Downing Street briefing, Mr Hancock said: “I understand why NHS staff want tests, so they can get back to the front line.
“But I took the decision that the first priority has to be the patients for whom the results of a test could be the difference in treatment that is the difference between life and death.”
NHS staff trying to get tested at makeshift centres in Chessington, Surrey, and Wembley, told of the chaos as people were turned away for not having ID or appointments.
One, Louise Knight, wrote: “Off I drive to be tested. Only to be turned away as I had no appointment.”
Another at Wembley said: “Apparently I need a referral from my NHS trust. No contact details.
“In a space of five minutes eight staff were turned back.” Last night’s applause also honoured teachers, cleaners, supermarket workers and delivery drivers who are helping to keep the country running.
Celebs marking the event included Sir Elton John, Sir Mo Farah, Kylie Minogue, Anthony Joshua and Ray Winstone. Staff at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital in West London also joined in the applause.
Rows of graves were being prepared by a mechanical digger at Sixmile Cemetery in Co Antrim yesterday.
The number of coronavirus cases across the world topped one million.
Boris Johnson was due to leave self-isolation today but was still suffering mild symptoms, No10 said.


thedailymirror--2020-04-02--Premier League clubs rule out mooted 'China move' in bid to end season

The idea of playing out the Premier League season in China was reportedly floated by one club chief .
But it was quickly shot down by top-flight counterparts .
Games have been suspended with the coronavirus pandemic causing havoc around the globe .
And as the Premier League seek to finish the domestic season amid mounting pressure , it 's claimed that they had contemplated taking fixtures abroad for the first time .
England 's top flight are aware of the financial repercussions of failing to finish the season , and Chin was mooted as and a potential destination , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ death toll is lowering despite them being the first nation to suffer from the Covid-19 outbreak .
The Premier League are meeting again on Friday to discuss measures but several club big wigs have already rebuffed the idea of heading away from the British Isles .
One chief executive is reported to have said : `` If we were to pick up the Premier League and move it to another part of world right now we ’ d get absolutely slaughtered .
`` Somebody accused us the other day of being in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like they are right at the moment – even though I am not , I can see why people think we are.
” While another reportedly offered : “ It ’ s just a waste of energy .
Let ’ s just say we all want to start the league and life .
`` Unfortunately only God and the pandemic can make this decision .
And it does not look likely.
” The Premier League stands to lose £762m in broadcasting revenue if they fail to conclude the season .
Authorities were looking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to host such a competition .
They were also working on the pretence that taking games elsewhere would ease pressure on the NHS and allow them to use club facilities .
A World Cup style tournament has also been suggested but there are worries over the competition 's integrity due to the lack of home advantage .
Another club chief is adamant playing games behind closed doors is the only workable solution .
He said : “ The only other option is playing behind closed doors when safe to do so and then @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Wednesday , Saturday over a tight period .
`` Even then I think you are going to find some clubs questioning whether that is supporting the integrity of the competition .
”

The Premier League is seeking ways to conclude the current campaign with the coronavirus pandemic suspending games indefinitely in the UK
The idea of playing out the Premier League season in China was reportedly floated by one club chief.
But it was quickly shot down by top-flight counterparts.
Games have been suspended with the coronavirus pandemic causing havoc around the globe.
And as the Premier League seek to finish the domestic season amid mounting pressure, it's claimed that they had contemplated taking fixtures abroad for the first time.
England's top flight are aware of the financial repercussions of failing to finish the season, and Chin was mooted as and a potential destination, reports the Athletic.
The country's death toll is lowering despite them being the first nation to suffer from the Covid-19 outbreak.
The Premier League are meeting again on Friday to discuss measures but several club big wigs have already rebuffed the idea of heading away from the British Isles.
Image: REUTERS) REUTERS)
One chief executive is reported to have said: "If we were to pick up the Premier League and move it to another part of world right now we’d get absolutely slaughtered.
"Somebody accused us the other day of being in a bubble. I feel a little bit like they are right at the moment – even though I am not, I can see why people think we are.”
While another reportedly offered: “It’s just a waste of energy. Let’s just say we all want to start the league and life.
"Unfortunately only God and the pandemic can make this decision. And it does not look likely.”
Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images) Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
The Premier League stands to lose £762m in broadcasting revenue if they fail to conclude the season.
Authorities were looking for an area that has the infrastructure to host such a competition.
They were also working on the pretence that taking games elsewhere would ease pressure on the NHS and allow them to use club facilities.
A World Cup style tournament has also been suggested but there are worries over the competition's integrity due to the lack of home advantage.
Another club chief is adamant playing games behind closed doors is the only workable solution.
He said: “The only other option is playing behind closed doors when safe to do so and then have an acceleration of matches on Saturday, Wednesday, Saturday over a tight period.
"Even then I think you are going to find some clubs questioning whether that is supporting the integrity of the competition.”


thedailymirror--2020-04-02--Kate Ferdinand has felt 'uneasy and overwhelmed' in self-isolation with family

Kate Ferdinand has revealed that she has sometimes felt 'overwhelmed ' in lockdown during the coronavirus crisis .
The former TOWIE star , 28 , has been in self-isolation alongside her footballer husband Rio Ferdinand and his three children , Lorenz , 13 , Tate , 11 , and Tia , eight .
Taking to social media , the reality star was answering questions from her fans to pass some time in quarantine .
When one fan said they were 'suffering ' with having children at home during the pandemic and asked for tips on anxiety , Kate revealed she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Most importantly , I hope you 're ok , '' she began in her touching post .
`` Honestly , I have generally been feeling quite good but I have had some bad days where I have been feeling really really uneasy and overwhelmed . ''
Kate identified that she 'struggled ' without a routine and has tried her hardest to put some structure into her day , which involved cleaning and setting small goals .
`` The small goals help me stay focused and my mind busy , '' she continued .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ too hard on myself if I am struggling .
`` Tomorrow we have decided to have a rest day , relax , try not to do too many chores and jobs and I am telling myself THAT 'S OK ! ''
To round off her encouraging message , she revealed that exercise , dog walks , fresh air and listening to her body have helped .
Kate is currently holed up with her husband Rio and his three children .
Since schools across Britain shut their doors during the coronavirus pandemic , meaning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ home-schooling the trio and coming up with entertainment throughout the week .
`` There ’ s been some mad moments , lots of fun family workouts and walks , a broken arm , lots of moaning , some shouting ... some vodkas but mostly LOVE and we SURVIVED our first week , '' she recounted about the increased family time .
The couple have also been keeping fan updated with their latest self-isolation exercise tips and leading their kids through a number of workouts .
Do you have a story to sell ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trinitymirror.com or call us direct 0207 29 33033

Kate Ferdinand is currently in lockdown with her husband Rio Ferdinand and his three children
Kate Ferdinand has felt 'uneasy and overwhelmed' as she self-isolates with family
Kate Ferdinand has revealed that she has sometimes felt 'overwhelmed' in lockdown during the coronavirus crisis.
The former TOWIE star, 28, has been in self-isolation alongside her footballer husband Rio Ferdinand and his three children, Lorenz, 13, Tate, 11, and Tia, eight.
Taking to social media, the reality star was answering questions from her fans to pass some time in quarantine.
When one fan said they were 'suffering' with having children at home during the pandemic and asked for tips on anxiety, Kate revealed she had too felt 'overwhelmed'.
"Most importantly, I hope you're ok," she began in her touching post.
Image: Instagram) Instagram)
"Honestly, I have generally been feeling quite good but I have had some bad days where I have been feeling really really uneasy and overwhelmed."
Kate identified that she 'struggled' without a routine and has tried her hardest to put some structure into her day, which involved cleaning and setting small goals.
"The small goals help me stay focused and my mind busy," she continued.
"Saying that, I'm not too hard on myself if I am struggling.
"Tomorrow we have decided to have a rest day, relax, try not to do too many chores and jobs and I am telling myself THAT'S OK!"
To round off her encouraging message, she revealed that exercise, dog walks, fresh air and listening to her body have helped.
Image: Instagram) Instagram)
Kate is currently holed up with her husband Rio and his three children.
Since schools across Britain shut their doors during the coronavirus pandemic, meaning step-mum Kate has had a busy week home-schooling the trio and coming up with entertainment throughout the week.
"There’s been some mad moments, lots of fun family workouts and walks, a broken arm, lots of moaning, some shouting ... some vodkas but mostly LOVE and we SURVIVED our first week," she recounted about the increased family time.
The couple have also been keeping fan updated with their latest self-isolation exercise tips and leading their kids through a number of workouts.
Do you have a story to sell? Get in touch with us at webcelebs@trinitymirror.com or call us direct 0207 29 33033


thedailymirror--2020-04-03--Billionaire Philip Green asks for taxpayer cash to save Topshop after closures

Topshop owner Philip Green has become the latest billionaire tycoon to ask for a Government bailout after closing 550 stores in response to lockdown measures .
Green , who has a net worth of £1billion , has asked for his 14,500 employees to be paid by the Government via the Chancellor 's Job Retention Scheme - which covers 80 % of their wages .
The retailer said 14,500 of its 16,000 employees would be furloughed by the weekend , leaving a skeleton team in place .
The Government ’ s job retention scheme pays 80 % of an employee ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of £2,500 a month , using taxpayer money .
Arcadia will cover the remaining 20 % until stores reopen their doors .
Like other fashion retailers , Arcadia , which owns brands such as Topshop , Dorothy Perkins and Miss Selfridge , is facing a financial crisis as people are being told to stay at home .
The public are being urged to only shop for 'essential items ' , while measures have been put in place to fine those who flout the rules .
There 's also the fact that people simply @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if they can only wear them at home .
However , the company , like Next , Laura Ashley and Debenhams , has been struggling long before the pandemic reached the UK 's shores .
The fashion group was on the brink of collapse last June , after creditors backed a rescue plan that involved the closure of 50 stores , 1,000 job losses and rent cuts of up to 70 % .
The majority of branches hit were Topshop , Dorothy Perkins , Burton and Miss Selfridge stores .
The company continues @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has paused payments into its pension scheme .
Arcadia ’ s chief executive , Ian Grabiner , who will receive no pay or benefits until further notice , said using the scheme was `` essential '' to get the company through `` these unprecedented times '' .
Some board directors and senior managers have agreed to take a salary reduction of 25 % -50 % .
The move comes after Philip Green was ordered to pay £363million into the BHS pension scheme after selling the now-defunct chain to tycoon Dominic Chappell for £1 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the company collapsed .
Sofie Willmott , a retail analyst at the consultancy firm GlobalData , predicted that other clothing and footwear chains will now follow suit with plans to use Government aid to say afloat .
`` With clothing and footwear spend dropping off a cliff , retailers are cutting costs where they can to protect their long-term futures .
There is no work for store staff while non-essential physical locations remain closed and head office employees will have little to do other than manage the cancellation of orders and attempt to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this week became the next multi-million-pound corporation to suspend cabin crew and ground staff - placing 36,000 on the Government 's furlough scheme for at least two months .
Explaining the decision , BA boss , Alex Cruz said : `` We need to act now to protect jobs and ensure that BA comes out the other side of this crisis in the best possible shape . ''
Budget airline easyJet was one of the first companies to take advantage , placing 4,000 workers on the initiative .
Under the scheme , employers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 80 % .
However , not all firms are playing by the same rules .
Both McDonald 's and the £450million owner of JD Wetherspoon , Tim Martin , have said they wo n't pay workers a penny - leaving them with just 80 % of their wages .
The 20 % cut in wages is particularly galling when staff at the likes of Greggs and Costa Coffee will be paid in full .
Retail analysis have warned that a fifth of small businesses will go bankrupt on the back of lockdown measures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
On Thursday , fashion giant Next put its warehouses up for sale in a desperate bid to raise cash amid hundreds of temporary store closures .
The forced closure of non-essential shops has been a fresh blow for a high street already struggling as a result of weak consumer spending and the shift to online shopping .

Arcadia closed its 550 shops a fortnight ago but, with no end to the high street shutdown in sight, said it had been forced to take the drastic step of furloughing the majority of its staff for the foreseeable future
Topshop owner Philip Green has become the latest billionaire tycoon to ask for a Government bailout after closing 550 stores in response to lockdown measures.
Green, who has a net worth of £1billion, has asked for his 14,500 employees to be paid by the Government via the Chancellor's Job Retention Scheme - which covers 80% of their wages.
The retailer said 14,500 of its 16,000 employees would be furloughed by the weekend, leaving a skeleton team in place.
The Government’s job retention scheme pays 80% of an employee’s wage, capped at a maximum of £2,500 a month, using taxpayer money.
Arcadia will cover the remaining 20% until stores reopen their doors.
Like other fashion retailers, Arcadia, which owns brands such as Topshop, Dorothy Perkins and Miss Selfridge, is facing a financial crisis as people are being told to stay at home.
The public are being urged to only shop for 'essential items', while measures have been put in place to fine those who flout the rules.
There's also the fact that people simply aren't motivated to buy new clothes if they can only wear them at home.
However, the company, like Next, Laura Ashley and Debenhams, has been struggling long before the pandemic reached the UK's shores.
The fashion group was on the brink of collapse last June, after creditors backed a rescue plan that involved the closure of 50 stores, 1,000 job losses and rent cuts of up to 70%.
Image: AFP/Getty Images) AFP/Getty Images)
The majority of branches hit were Topshop, Dorothy Perkins, Burton and Miss Selfridge stores.
The company continues to ask landlords for rent cuts and has paused payments into its pension scheme.
Arcadia’s chief executive, Ian Grabiner, who will receive no pay or benefits until further notice, said using the scheme was "essential" to get the company through "these unprecedented times". Some board directors and senior managers have agreed to take a salary reduction of 25%-50%.
The move comes after Philip Green was ordered to pay £363million into the BHS pension scheme after selling the now-defunct chain to tycoon Dominic Chappell for £1. Less than a year later, the company collapsed.
Sofie Willmott, a retail analyst at the consultancy firm GlobalData, predicted that other clothing and footwear chains will now follow suit with plans to use Government aid to say afloat.
"With clothing and footwear spend dropping off a cliff, retailers are cutting costs where they can to protect their long-term futures. There is no work for store staff while non-essential physical locations remain closed and head office employees will have little to do other than manage the cancellation of orders and attempt to drive online sales."
Image: Getty Images) Getty Images)
British Airways this week became the next multi-million-pound corporation to suspend cabin crew and ground staff - placing 36,000 on the Government's furlough scheme for at least two months.
Explaining the decision, BA boss, Alex Cruz said: "We need to act now to protect jobs and ensure that BA comes out the other side of this crisis in the best possible shape."
Budget airline easyJet was one of the first companies to take advantage, placing 4,000 workers on the initiative.
Under the scheme, employers will pay 20% and the government 80%.
However, not all firms are playing by the same rules.
Both McDonald's and the £450million owner of JD Wetherspoon, Tim Martin, have said they won't pay workers a penny - leaving them with just 80% of their wages.
The 20% cut in wages is particularly galling when staff at the likes of Greggs and Costa Coffee will be paid in full.
Retail analysis have warned that a fifth of small businesses will go bankrupt on the back of lockdown measures - while 20,000 shops will never reopen.
On Thursday, fashion giant Next put its warehouses up for sale in a desperate bid to raise cash amid hundreds of temporary store closures.
The forced closure of non-essential shops has been a fresh blow for a high street already struggling as a result of weak consumer spending and the shift to online shopping.


thedailymirror--2020-04-03--Woman admits she had sex with a dolphin as part of NASA-funded scientific study

Margaret Howe Lovatt had loved animals since she was a little girl .
One of her first memories is being given a book about a talking cat by her mother when she was just a child .
It sparked a life-long fascination with animals and how they communicate and led to her becoming a key part of a NASA funded experiment in the 1960s .
Margaret explained : `` It was a story about a cat who could talk and understand humans and it just stuck with me that maybe there is this possibility . ''
Unlike most children , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about one day communicating with animals .
Her dreams came true at Christmas in 1963 , when she was living in the Caribbean island of St Thomas .
Margaret 's brother-in-law mentioned there was a secret lab at one end of the island where they were carrying out work with dolphins .
Unable to resist , Margaret , who was just 20 , had to drive out there to have a look - and she was greeted by Gregory Bateson .
He was the director of the lab and was instantly impressed by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to him and told him she wanted to be involved and would do anything she could to help .
He allowed Margaret to observe the dolphins and write down everything she observed - despite having no scientific training she was skilled at spotting animal behaviour and her place in the study was secured .
Margaret remembers vividly what she saw the first time she observed the three dolpins .
She explained : `` Peter , Pamela and Sissy .
Sissy was the biggest .
Pushy , loud , she sort of ran the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and fearful .
And Peter was a young guy .
He was sexually coming of age and a bit naughty . ''
When Margaret first met the trio of dolphins they were housed in a sea pool below the lab , where they could be observed daily .
Funded by NASA , the scheme was to determine whether or not the dolphins could be trained to understand , and speak , English .
But scientists were determined to get a closer look at the creatures and came up with a bizarre plan to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ They , along with Margaret 's help , transformed an ordinary home into a domestic dolphianrium by flooding it with knee-deep water .
This meant those working on the project could live with the animals and observe them 24 hours a day .
And as Margaret spent more times with the majestic creatures , she formed ever closer bonds with them - especially Peter .
She explained : `` Peter liked to be ... with me .
He would rub himself on my knee , my foot or my hand and I allowed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - as long as it was n't too rough .
In the beginning I would put him on the elevator and say you go play with the girls for a day .
`` It was just easier to incorporate that and let it happen , it was very precious and very gentle , Peter was right there , he knew that I was right there . ''
Margaret claims this became a regular part of her studies , as she tried to teach Peter to speak English .
She added : `` It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was not sexual on mine , sensuous perhaps .
`` It would just become part of what was going on like an itch , just get rid of that we 'll scratch and we would be done and move on .
`` I was there to get to know Peter , that was part of Peter . ''
The lab had been created by American neuroscientist , Dr John Lilly , who had been studying large-brained marine mammals for years .
He hoped his experiment on the Caribbean island would enable the dolphins @ @ @ @ @ @ @ holes and enable them to communicate with humans .
Dr Lilly secured NASA 's financial backing as he felt it would enable the understanding of other intelligent life forms who use a different form of communication .
However , what had started as an innocent experience became embroiled in scandal by the time it closed down .
Not only was there Margaret 's relationship with Peter , there were also rumours the dolphins had been absued when they were given LSD .

Dealing with Dolphin- The Girl who talk to Dolphins
Dealing with Dolphin- The Girl who talk to Dolphins
Margaret Howe Lovatt was just 20 when she started work in a lab with the aim of understanding dolphins and teaching them to speak English
Woman admits she had sex with a dolphin who took his own life after heartbreak
Margaret Howe Lovatt had loved animals since she was a little girl.
One of her first memories is being given a book about a talking cat by her mother when she was just a child.
It sparked a life-long fascination with animals and how they communicate and led to her becoming a key part of a NASA funded experiment in the 1960s.
Margaret explained: "It was a story about a cat who could talk and understand humans and it just stuck with me that maybe there is this possibility."
Unlike most children, Margaret didn't grow out of dreaming about one day communicating with animals.
Image: Youtube / BBC) Youtube / BBC)
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Her dreams came true at Christmas in 1963, when she was living in the Caribbean island of St Thomas.
Margaret's brother-in-law mentioned there was a secret lab at one end of the island where they were carrying out work with dolphins.
Unable to resist, Margaret, who was just 20, had to drive out there to have a look - and she was greeted by Gregory Bateson.
He was the director of the lab and was instantly impressed by the young woman who had marched up to him and told him she wanted to be involved and would do anything she could to help.
He allowed Margaret to observe the dolphins and write down everything she observed - despite having no scientific training she was skilled at spotting animal behaviour and her place in the study was secured.
Margaret remembers vividly what she saw the first time she observed the three dolphins.
Image: Youtube / BBC) Youtube / BBC)
She explained: "Peter, Pamela and Sissy. Sissy was the biggest. Pushy, loud, she sort of ran the show.
"Pamela was very shy and fearful. And Peter was a young guy. He was sexually coming of age and a bit naughty."
When Margaret first met the trio of dolphins they were housed in a sea pool below the lab, where they could be observed daily.
Funded by NASA, the scheme was to determine whether or not the dolphins could be trained to understand, and speak, English.
But scientists were determined to get a closer look at the creatures and came up with a bizarre plan to watch them in every day life.
They, along with Margaret's help, transformed an ordinary home into a domestic dolphianrium by flooding it with knee-deep water.
This meant those working on the project could live with the animals and observe them 24 hours a day.
Image: Youtube / BBC) Youtube / BBC)
And as Margaret spent more times with the majestic creatures, she formed ever closer bonds with them - especially Peter.
She explained: "Peter liked to be... with me. He would rub himself on my knee, my foot or my hand and I allowed that.
"I wasn't uncomfortable - as long as it wasn't too rough. In the beginning I would put him on the elevator and say you go play with the girls for a day.
"It was just easier to incorporate that and let it happen, it was very precious and very gentle, Peter was right there, he knew that I was right there."
Margaret claims this became a regular part of her studies, as she tried to teach Peter to speak English.
She added: "It was sexual on his part - it was not sexual on mine, sensuous perhaps.
"It would just become part of what was going on like an itch, just get rid of that we'll scratch and we would be done and move on.
"I was there to get to know Peter, that was part of Peter."
Image: Youtube / BBC) Youtube / BBC)
However, when the experiment's funding ran out the pair were separated and Peter was shipped 1,000 miles away to a small lab in Florida.
But it was too much for seemingly heartbroken Peter, who died just a few weeks later in an apparent act of suicide.
"I got that phone call from John Lilly. John called me himself to tell me. He said Peter had committed suicide," Margaret told The Guardian.
The lab's vet, Andy Williamson, attributed the dolphin's death to a broken heart, stating: "Margaret could rationalize it, but when she left, could Peter? Here’s the love of his life gone."
Ric O’Barry, from animal rights organisation The Dolphin Project, also backed the description of Peter's death as "suicide", adding: "Dolphins are not automatic air-breathers like we are. Every breath is a conscious effort.
"If life becomes too unbearable, the dolphins just take a breath and they sink to the bottom. They don’t take the next breath."
Image: Youtube / BBC) Youtube / BBC)
The lab had been created by American neuroscientist, Dr John Lilly, who had been studying large-brained marine mammals for years.
He hoped his experiment on the Caribbean island would enable the dolphins to make human-like sounds through their blow holes and enable them to communicate with humans.
Dr Lilly secured NASA's financial backing as he felt it would enable the understanding of other intelligent life forms who use a different form of communication.
However, what had started as an innocent experience became embroiled in scandal by the time it closed down.
Not only was there Margaret's relationship with Peter, there were also rumours the dolphins had been abused when they were given LSD.


thedailymirror--2020-04-03--Bernie Ecclestone's daughter Deborah is a mystery

Bernie Ecclestone 's daughters Tamara and Petra Ecclestone are not ones to shy away from the limelight .
However , the F1 star 's eldest daughter Deborah , 65 , who he welcomed with his first wife Ivy Bambford in 1965 , is the total opposite and likes to lead an extremely private existance .
So much so , that unlike her social-media savvy half-sisters , Deborah is untraceable online as there appears to be no snaps of her or social media accounts .
It also unknown what she does for a career and if she has a relationship with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thought to have two children and a grandchild - that made her dad Bernie , 89 , a great-granddad for the first time .
And now in-light of her father and his new wife Fabiana Flosi 's happy baby news , Deborah will be the eldest sister to the latest edition of the Ecclestone brood .
Bernie 's new tot will be his fourth child and his first with Fabiana , 47-years his junior .
The couple tied the knot in 2012 with an intimate ceremony at wealthy Bernie 's chalet in Switzerland @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the special day - which Tamara said was out of loyalty to her mum Slavica Radic .
The Instagram sensation spoke about her decision after she found out about her father being engaged .
She said at the time : “ I was quite surprised .
He ’ s usually such a rational person and this seems like such an irrational thing to do .
“ My first thought was for my mum .
She wouldn ’ t have known and she hasn ’ t dated since the divorce .
“ If I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ‘ OK , been there , done it , got the T-shirt .
I ’ ve met someone , I ’ ll just live with them ’ .
” On Thursday , German newspaper Blick reported that Bernie will now give his three daughters a brother .
He told the publication : `` Yes , it is due in the summer , '' he said .
`` Hopefully he 'll learn to play backgammon soon ! ''
Do you have a story to sell ?
Get in touch with us at webtv @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 29 33033

Tamara Ecclestone says she is 'proud' of breastfeeding four-year-old and says it helps them 'reconnect'
Tamara Ecclestone says she is 'proud' of breastfeeding four-year-old and says it helps them 'reconnect'
Bernie Ecclestone has shared that he become a father again at the age of 89 with his new wife Fabiana Flosi - which means his daughters will now have a baby brother
Bernie Ecclestone's daughters Tamara and Petra Ecclestone are not ones to shy away from the limelight.
However, the F1 star's eldest daughter Deborah, 65, who he welcomed with his first wife Ivy Bambford in 1965, is the total opposite and likes to lead an extremely private existance.
So much so, that unlike her social-media savvy half-sisters, Deborah is untraceable online as there appears to be no snaps of her or social media accounts.
It also unknown what she does for a career and if she has a relationship with her dad and half-sisters.
She is thought to have two children and a grandchild - that made her dad Bernie, 89, a great-granddad for the first time.
Image: Getty) Getty)
And now in-light of her father and his new wife Fabiana Flosi's happy baby news, Deborah will be the eldest sister to the latest edition of the Ecclestone brood.
Bernie's new tot will be his fourth child and his first with Fabiana, 47-years his junior.
The couple tied the knot in 2012 with an intimate ceremony at wealthy Bernie's chalet in Switzerland.
Image: Getty Images) Getty Images)
Tamara and Petra did not attend the special day - which Tamara said was out of loyalty to her mum Slavica Radic.
The Instagram sensation spoke about her decision after she found out about her father being engaged.
She said at the time: “I was quite surprised. He’s usually such a rational person and this seems like such an irrational thing to do.
Image: Getty Images Europe) Getty Images Europe)
“My first thought was for my mum. She wouldn’t have known and she hasn’t dated since the divorce.
“If I was my dad I would have thought, ‘OK, been there, done it, got the T-shirt. I’ve met someone, I’ll just live with them’.”
On Thursday, German newspaper Blick reported that Bernie will now give his three daughters a brother.
He told the publication: "Yes, it is due in the summer," he said. "Hopefully he'll learn to play backgammon soon!"
Do you have a story to sell? Get in touch with us at webtv@trinitymirror.com or call us direct 0207 29 33033


thedailymirror--2020-04-03--Coronavirus lockdown is like living with cancer - but there's plenty to live for

I ’ m going into my third week of self isolation and it ’ s honestly not so bad .
Only this week have I felt that I really wanted to hug my mum and dad .
We ’ ve spoken and video-called almost every day .
I ’ ve got another 11 weeks ’ of this so I just need to take it all in my stride - we all do .
Living with incurable breast cancer isn ’ t dissimilar to living through this pandemic - we can no longer plan for things in the future without thinking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be in lockdown .
We have to cancel plans that we have already made and we can ’ t go out of the house if there are bugs going around .
That ’ s pretty much the life of a cancer patient in general .
Always living with the unknown .
It ’ s horrible isn ’ t it - it ’ s an awful unsettling feeling .
But day by day you get better at understanding and accepting and making the absolute best of a tricky situation .
For us , that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ days .
We ’ re doing the garden , we ’ re having table dates and this Friday is karaoke night .
We have all the time in the world , so we can afford to go all out to get the excitement going for our kids .
I ’ m talking smoke machines ( es , we have one ! )
, streamers , speakers , lipstick and our best outfit .
Orange juice in champagne glasses and lots of cheering clapping and possibly booing .
We ’ re getting round to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ needed doing for years but we have time to just pick it up for an hour here and there .
There ’ s no pressure and it ’ s amazing .
I have the absolute greatest friends and family on earth so a social life has always been important to me but we ’ ve downloaded apps so that we can have group Friday nights ’ in with wine and quizzes !
We ’ re letting Ivy stay up a little later at night and we ’ re not concerned about her not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a little lie-in in the morning .
I don ’ t know why but when kids creep out of bed and come downstairs when they ’ re supposed to be asleep , it ’ s just so bloody cute .
Ivy came down last night , looking all cheeky and asked if we wanted to have a chat .
How could we say no to that ?
!
We ’ ve been lucky enough to get supplies for Ivy from Bright Minds , which are fun and educational and she is just getting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ us .
She ’ s happy and safe and that ’ s all we could wish for .
We ’ ve been watching boxsets and playing music and baking .
We ’ ve lazed around and we ’ ve got to work but generally , we are enjoying it for the most part .
We have a neighbourhood Facebook group , which is a godsend for people like myself and other vulnerable people who might live alone .
We ’ ve had neighbours drop off shopping for us , soap , board games…even @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being done now are glorious .
We are so lucky and so looked after .
It really is bringing out the best in so many of us .
Of course , I ’ m anxious at the fact that my chemo has been stopped for 12 weeks .
I ’ m worried that this virus might last longer and what will that mean for people like me , who have had life-saving chemotherapy withdrawn ?
Does it mean they ’ ll have to postpone it for longer ?
Will there be enough money @ @ @ @ @ @ @ afterwards ?
It ’ s such an uncertain time on top of everything else going on .
I ’ m confident that I ’ m doing everything possible that I can do to keep germs away but now my cancer treatment has been stopped and there ’ s literally nothing I can do about that .
I ’ m getting slightly annoyed at people biggin ’ up Boris Johnson .
Would you be saying the same if your cancer treatment had been stopped ?
Remember a few weeks ago , Priti Patel stating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as unskilled ?
The fact that you even need to categorise people is wrong but I think this virus has shown clearly that we don ’ t need billionaires .
Who we need are our nurses and doctors , our postal workers , bin men , delivery drivers , our shop assistants and our admin workers who keep vital services ticking over .
In the midst of a pandemic , they ’ re the ones running into the storm to rescue the casualties and they ’ re the ones keeping this country going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to as unskilled again , then shame on you ( and they need a massive pay rise ) .
Fair enough , we ’ ve never been through anything like this in our lifetime and of course it would be a struggle for any leader .
But the fact that the Tories have torn apart our NHS and public services is magnifying the impact of our current situation - especially for cancer patients .
As human beings , we naturally look for a leader when we ’ re scared , someone who can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thinks Johnson is our saviour .
I LOVE our NHS , I always have done… and I love all the people who are working hard to keep us all safe .
THANK YOU Please feel free to follow my story on Facebook and Instagram .

Mirror columnist, mum and author Roisin Pelan is battling breast cancer but has had her chemotherapy stopped during the Covid-19 lockdown
'Coronavirus lockdown is like living with cancer - but there's plenty to live for'
I’m going into my third week of self isolation and it’s honestly not so bad.
Only this week have I felt that I really wanted to hug my mum and dad.
We’ve spoken and video-called almost every day. I’ve got another 11 weeks’ of this so I just need to take it all in my stride - we all do.
Living with incurable breast cancer isn’t dissimilar to living through this pandemic - we can no longer plan for things in the future without thinking whether or not we’ll still be in lockdown.
We have to cancel plans that we have already made and we can’t go out of the house if there are bugs going around. That’s pretty much the life of a cancer patient in general.
Image: Roisin Pelan) Roisin Pelan)
Always living with the unknown. It’s horrible isn’t it - it’s an awful unsettling feeling. But day by day you get better at understanding and accepting and making the absolute best of a tricky situation.
For us, that comes in the shape of family fun days. We’re doing the garden, we’re having table dates and this Friday is karaoke night.
We have all the time in the world, so we can afford to go all out to get the excitement going for our kids.
I’m talking smoke machines ( es, we have one!), streamers, speakers, lipstick and our best outfit. Orange juice in champagne glasses and lots of cheering clapping and possibly booing.
We’re getting round to little jobs in the house that have needed doing for years but we have time to just pick it up for an hour here and there.
Image: Supplied) Supplied)
There’s no pressure and it’s amazing. I have the absolute greatest friends and family on earth so a social life has always been important to me but we’ve downloaded apps so that we can have group Friday nights’ in with wine and quizzes!
We’re letting Ivy stay up a little later at night and we’re not concerned about her not having enough sleep because she can have a little lie-in in the morning.
I don’t know why but when kids creep out of bed and come downstairs when they’re supposed to be asleep, it’s just so bloody cute.
Ivy came down last night, looking all cheeky and asked if we wanted to have a chat. How could we say no to that?!
We’ve been lucky enough to get supplies for Ivy from Bright Minds, which are fun and educational and she is just getting so much joy out of learning with us. She’s happy and safe and that’s all we could wish for.
Image: Supplied) Supplied)
We’ve been watching boxsets and playing music and baking. We’ve lazed around and we’ve got to work but generally, we are enjoying it for the most part.
We have a neighbourhood Facebook group, which is a godsend for people like myself and other vulnerable people who might live alone.
We’ve had neighbours drop off shopping for us, soap, board games…even wine. The random acts of kindness being done now are glorious.
We are so lucky and so looked after. It really is bringing out the best in so many of us.
Of course, I’m anxious at the fact that my chemo has been stopped for 12 weeks.
Image: Supplied) Supplied)
I’m worried that this virus might last longer and what will that mean for people like me, who have had life-saving chemotherapy withdrawn?
Does it mean they’ll have to postpone it for longer? Will there be enough money and staff to care for us properly afterwards? It’s such an uncertain time on top of everything else going on.
I’m confident that I’m doing everything possible that I can do to keep germs away but now my cancer treatment has been stopped and there’s literally nothing I can do about that.
I’m getting slightly annoyed at people biggin’ up Boris Johnson. Would you be saying the same if your cancer treatment had been stopped?
Remember a few weeks ago, Priti Patel stating that anyone earning under 25k was classed as unskilled? The fact that you even need to categorise people is wrong but I think this virus has shown clearly that we don’t need billionaires.
Image: Roisin Pelan) Roisin Pelan)
Who we need are our nurses and doctors, our postal workers, bin men, delivery drivers, our shop assistants and our admin workers who keep vital services ticking over.
In the midst of a pandemic, they’re the ones running into the storm to rescue the casualties and they’re the ones keeping this country going.
If they’re ever referred to as unskilled again, then shame on you (and they need a massive pay rise).
Fair enough, we’ve never been through anything like this in our lifetime and of course it would be a struggle for any leader.
But the fact that the Tories have torn apart our NHS and public services is magnifying the impact of our current situation - especially for cancer patients.
As human beings, we naturally look for a leader when we’re scared, someone who can look after us.
So everyone naturally thinks Johnson is our saviour.
I LOVE our NHS, I always have done… and I love all the people who are working hard to keep us all safe. THANK YOU
Please feel free to follow my story on Facebook and Instagram.


thedailymirror--2020-04-03--Martin Tyler explains why he doesn't enjoy Anfield visits as much as he used to

Sky Sports legend Martin Tyler says the recent changes to Anfield have n't been good news for commentators .
Liverpool redeveloped their Main Stand in 2016 to take the official capacity of their famous home to over 53,394 , with the increase in spectators also mirroring the club 's improvement on the pitch .
But the change meant that the old commentary gantry is no more , and Tyler admits he misses it .
`` It is no exaggeration to say that the Anfield gantry which served television broadcasters for decades was the best in the world in my experience @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Built into the roof of the old Main Stand it was a perfect viewing point and with the fans below , the feeling of involvement was total .
`` The recent construction of the Centenary Stand changed all that .
Of course it is change for the better for Liverpool Football Club , who can now accommodate large crowds , but not for commentators .
`` The current position is much more distant , level with the opposite roof of the Kenny Dalglish stand .
The main cameras were moved up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the club found a lower level for them , rather proving the point .
`` Unfortunately , there is not space for commentators to sit alongside the cameras which is in itself a difficulty .
You at home are watching the match from a different angle to we broadcasters .
It is the same at Chelsea and Wembley . ''
Despite the change though , Tyler praised the work Liverpool have done at Anfield .
`` The Liverpool Football Club of today , with its American owners and its German manager , could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but they understand the significance of the serial winners of the seventies and eighties , and the influence of Shankly , Paisley , Fagan , Dalglish , Rush etc , '' he added .
`` It is only 10 years or so since the club were exploring the possibility of a move to a new home .
`` Instead they have invested in the evolution and development of Anfield .
You do n't have to be a fan of the club to say well done for that . ''

The Sky Sports commentator says his old position in Anfield's Main Stand was "the best in the world" for covering matches, but that has changed since the club expanded Anfield
Martin Tyler explains why he doesn't enjoy Anfield visits as much as he used to
Sky Sports legend Martin Tyler says the recent changes to Anfield haven't been good news for commentators.
Liverpool redeveloped their Main Stand in 2016 to take the official capacity of their famous home to over 53,394, with the increase in spectators also mirroring the club's improvement on the pitch.
But the change meant that the old commentary gantry is no more, and Tyler admits he misses it.
"It is no exaggeration to say that the Anfield gantry which served television broadcasters for decades was the best in the world in my experience," the 74-year-old told Sky Sports.
Image: Sky) Sky)
"Built into the roof of the old Main Stand it was a perfect viewing point and with the fans below, the feeling of involvement was total.
"The recent construction of the Centenary Stand changed all that. Of course it is change for the better for Liverpool Football Club, who can now accommodate large crowds, but not for commentators.
"The current position is much more distant, level with the opposite roof of the Kenny Dalglish stand. The main cameras were moved up there as well but after one season the club found a lower level for them, rather proving the point.
Image: Liverpool Echo) Liverpool Echo)
"Unfortunately, there is not space for commentators to sit alongside the cameras which is in itself a difficulty. You at home are watching the match from a different angle to we broadcasters. It is the same at Chelsea and Wembley."
Despite the change though, Tyler praised the work Liverpool have done at Anfield.
Image: Liverpool Echo) Liverpool Echo)
"The Liverpool Football Club of today, with its American owners and its German manager, could have easily lost touch with the past, but they understand the significance of the serial winners of the seventies and eighties, and the influence of Shankly, Paisley, Fagan, Dalglish, Rush etc," he added.
"It is only 10 years or so since the club were exploring the possibility of a move to a new home.
"Instead they have invested in the evolution and development of Anfield. You don't have to be a fan of the club to say well done for that."


thedailymirror--2020-04-03--'Healthy' ex-policeman dies of suspected coronavirus after returning from Spain

A former police officer who had recently returned from Spain has died of suspected coronavirus .
Paul Pettitt , who was in his 50s , died after reportedly contracting Covid-19 .
Lincolnshire Police have now paid tribute to the 'top bloke ' , known as 'Pap ' , who had retired about five or six years ago .
Sergeant Rick Mosley wrote on Twitter : `` Just heard that my old skipper , dive buddy and good mate Paul Pettitt has succumbed to the coronavirus .
`` He was a top bloke .
Very funny , with some fantastic stories @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was a very sharp mind .
`` Take care mate and rest in peace . ''
Former Assistant Chief Constable Shaun West commented : `` Had the privilege to work alongside Pap as Sergeants 2001-3 .
`` Very fond memories of a gentleman with a great sense of humour .
`` Sending my best wishes to his friends , family and colleagues .
We will all be touched by his loss . ''
And ex-Deputy Chief Constable Helen Roach tweeted : `` So sad to hear this terrible news .
`` Paul was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shift at Lincoln .
Just an all-round police officer and the nicest of men . ''
Lincolnshire Police Dog Section added : `` RIP `` Pap '' - taken too soon . ''
Andy Pearson posted to say that he was hearing `` really sad news '' that an `` ex-colleague who came back from Spain a few weeks ago has passed away to the horrible virus today { April 1 ] in Lincoln . ''
He said that Mr Pettitt would have been in his late 50s and said he was relatively @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pettitt was `` top man on my shift at Lincoln '' .

mirrornews@mirror.co.uk (Paul Whitelam, Tanveer Mann)

Top police officers have paid tribute to Paul Pettitt, describing him as a 'top bloke' with a 'great humour' and 'sharp mind'
'Healthy' ex-policeman dies of suspected coronavirus after returning from Spain
A former police officer who had recently returned from Spain has died of suspected coronavirus.
Paul Pettitt, who was in his 50s, died after reportedly contracting Covid-19.
Lincolnshire Police have now paid tribute to the 'top bloke', known as 'Pap', who had retired about five or six years ago.
Sergeant Rick Mosley wrote on Twitter : "Just heard that my old skipper, dive buddy and good mate Paul Pettitt has succumbed to the coronavirus.
"He was a top bloke. Very funny, with some fantastic stories of policing. Under that great humour was a very sharp mind.
"Take care mate and rest in peace."
Former Assistant Chief Constable Shaun West commented: "Had the privilege to work alongside Pap as Sergeants 2001-3.
"Very fond memories of a gentleman with a great sense of humour.
"Sending my best wishes to his friends, family and colleagues. We will all be touched by his loss."
And ex-Deputy Chief Constable Helen Roach tweeted: "So sad to hear this terrible news.
"Paul was one of my brilliant sergeants on my shift at Lincoln. Just an all-round police officer and the nicest of men."
Lincolnshire Police Dog Section added: " RIP "Pap" - taken too soon."
Andy Pearson posted to say that he was hearing "really sad news" that an "ex-colleague who came back from Spain a few weeks ago has passed away to the horrible virus today {April 1] in Lincoln."
He said that Mr Pettitt would have been in his late 50s and said he was relatively healthy.
Glen Harris wrote that Mr Pettitt was "top man on my shift at Lincoln".


thedailymirror--2020-04-03--When we can expect results of the Labour leadership election

The polls have closed on Labour 's leadership election , and the results will be announced this weekend .
Either Keir Starmer , Lisa Nandy or Rebecca Long-Bailey will take over from Jeremy Corbyn , who stood down after Labour 's disastrous election defeat in December 2019 .
The new deputy leader , replacing Tom Watson , will be announced at the same time .
While Labour had planned to reveal the election results at a special party conference this weekend , the event has had to be cancelled due to the ongoing coronavirus crisis .
The result will instead @ @ @ @ @ @ @ issued on Saturday morning .
Here 's what you need to know : When is the Labour leadership result ?
The results of Labour 's leadership election will be announced at 10:45am on Saturday 4 April .
A press release will be issued to media outlets , while party members will receive an email informing them of the results .
All three candidates have been asked to pre-record a victory speech , and the winner 's will be sent out for the public to watch at home .
The results of the deputy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ same time .
Either Dawn Butler , Angela Rayner , Richard Burgon , Dr Rosena Allin-Khan or Ian Murray will replace Tom Watson , who stood down in December .
Over half a million Labour members , registered supporters and affiliates have voted in the leadership election to name Corbyn 's successor .
To stand , prospective candidates had to receive nominations from 10 % of Labour MPs or MEPs , plus nominations from either 5 % of constituency parties or at least three affiliates , two of which had to be trade @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as Labour leader on Saturday .

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Either Keir Starmer, Rebecca Long-Bailey or Lisa Nandy will be announced as the new Labour leader this morning
What time is the Labour leadership result? When new leader will be announced today
The polls have closed on Labour's leadership election, and the results will be announced this morning.
Either Keir Starmer, Lisa Nandy or Rebecca Long-Bailey will take over from Jeremy Corbyn, who stood down after Labour's disastrous election defeat in December 2019.
The new deputy leader, replacing Tom Watson, will be announced at the same time.
While Labour had planned to reveal the election results at a special party conference this weekend, the event has had to be cancelled due to the ongoing coronavirus crisis.
The result will instead by announced via a press release, issued this morning. Here's what you need to know:
What time is the Labour leadership result?
The results of Labour's leadership election will be announced at 10:45am today (Saturday 4 April).
A press release will be issued to media outlets, while party members will receive an email informing them of the results.
All three candidates have been asked to pre-record a victory speech, and the winner's will be sent out for the public to watch at home.
Image: Daily Mirror/Andy Stenning) Daily Mirror/Andy Stenning)
The results of the deputy leader election will be announced at the same time. Either Dawn Butler, Angela Rayner, Richard Burgon, Dr Rosena Allin-Khan or Ian Murray will replace Tom Watson, who stood down in December.
Over half a million Labour members, registered supporters and affiliates have voted in the leadership election to name Corbyn's successor.
To stand, prospective candidates had to receive nominations from 10% of Labour MPs or MEPs, plus nominations from either 5% of constituency parties or at least three affiliates, two of which had to be trade unions.
The winner will take over as Labour leader today.


thedailymirror--2020-04-03--Mum, 27, humiliated as Tesco refuse to accept free school meal vouchers for son

A mum was left humiliated after staff at her local Tesco refused to take free school meal vouchers provided by her local council during the coronavirus lockdown .
Lisa Pitman , from Wales , said she had to abandon her trolley of food for son Luke , 10 , after waiting an hour in a queue .
The 27-year-old told WalesOnline : “ It was a nightmare and so embarrassing .
“ The letter says it can be used in Tesco or Asda and my nearest shop is Tesco .
“ It was so embarrassing , I had five staff @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of customers behind me .
I queued for ages because it is so busy .
“ I had to leave all the shopping and go to Asda .
That ’ s about half an hour walk away .
I had to go to Asda and start again.
” Schools across the UK have been forced to shut their doors following the nationwide lockdown and children who were due free school meals have been forced to find other ways to get them .
The available options include vouchers , bank transfers and “ grab @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ hub ” schools .
Although the letter says the vouchers are redeemable at either Tesco or Asda , the council later clarified that parents had to check which voucher they had been issued .
Lisa said she took the voucher and the letter from Vale of Glamorgan council with her to the Tesco store on Port Road , Barry , but voucher in lieu of payment was refused at the till .
Lisa said her son Luke , who has just finished year six at Holton Primary in Barry , had been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the house since the schools shut .
“ It was brilliant , they dropped it off , no problem , then yesterday nothing was delivered and then we got the letter and voucher today.
” Her partner Anthony Cahill said : `` We received a letter this morning saying we ’ d get £39 and saying we could spend the voucher at Tesco or Asda .
We didn ’ t know anything about it until we had the letter.
” A Vale of Glamorgan council spokesman said that although the letter clearly says @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or Asda , this is not true and parents have to check whether they have been given a Tesco or an Asda voucher .
“ The council is not aware of the detail of this case , but the vouchers are specifically for use in either Tesco or Asda as they are issued by one of these supermarkets .
“ The recipient can not choose which outlet they would prefer to shop in .
This fact is indicated in the correspondence sent to parents and on the vouchers themselves.
” He said the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ free school meal will now receive a voucher to the value of £39 a fortnight - the equivalent of £3.90 a day .
“ The council is working with Tesco and Asda and is issuing vouchers which can be redeemed at each retailer ’ s respective shops .
We are continuing to investigate how this offer could be extended to include additional retailers .
A Tesco spokesman said : “ Customers with children eligible for free school meals have been sent an email with e-vouchers for both Asda and Tesco by the Vale @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very happy to accept these vouchers and our Barry Superstore has redeemed a number of these in recent days .
“ Unfortunately one customer this morning only had the portion of the email with the Asda e-voucher and not the Tesco e-voucher , so we were unable to accept it because it was for a different retailer .
”

The mum was forced to abandon her trolley with food for her 10-year-old son after waiting in a queue for an hour at a Tesco store on Port Road in Barry, Wales
A mum was left humiliated after staff at her local Tesco refused to take free school meal vouchers provided by her local council during the coronavirus lockdown.
The mum, from Wales, said she had to abandon her trolley of food for her son after waiting an hour in a queue.
Speaking to WalesOnline, she said : “It was a nightmare and so embarrassing.
“The letter says it can be used in Tesco or Asda and my nearest shop is Tesco.
“It was so embarrassing, I had five staff in Tesco around me and a queue of customers behind me. I queued for ages because it is so busy.
“I had to leave all the shopping and go to Asda. That’s about half an hour walk away. I had to go to Asda and start again.”
Schools across the UK have been forced to shut their doors following the nationwide lockdown and children who were due free school meals have been forced to find other ways to get them.
Image: Getty Images) Getty Images)
The available options include vouchers, bank transfers and “grab and go” packed lunches distributed from “hub” schools.
Although the letter says the vouchers are redeemable at either Tesco or Asda, the council later clarified that parents had to check which voucher they had been issued.
She said she took the voucher and the letter from Vale of Glamorgan council with her to the Tesco store on Port Road, Barry, but voucher in lieu of payment was refused at the till.
The mum said her son, who has just finished year six, had been getting a cold packed lunch delivered to the house since the schools shut.
“It was brilliant, they dropped it off, no problem, then yesterday nothing was delivered and then we got the letter and voucher today.”
Her partner said: "We received a letter this morning saying we’d get £39 and saying we could spend the voucher at Tesco or Asda. We didn’t know anything about it until we had the letter.”
Image: WalesOnLine WS) WalesOnLine WS)
A Vale of Glamorgan council spokesman said that although the letter clearly says the vouchers can be used at Tesco or Asda, this is not true and parents have to check whether they have been given a Tesco or an Asda voucher.
“The council is not aware of the detail of this case, but the vouchers are specifically for use in either Tesco or Asda as they are issued by one of these supermarkets.
“The recipient cannot choose which outlet they would prefer to shop in. This fact is indicated in the correspondence sent to parents and on the vouchers themselves.”
He said the parent/carer of every child entitled to a free school meal will now receive a voucher to the value of £39 a fortnight - the equivalent of £3.90 a day.
“The council is working with Tesco and Asda and is issuing vouchers which can be redeemed at each retailer’s respective shops. We are continuing to investigate how this offer could be extended to include additional retailers.
A Tesco spokesman said: “Customers with children eligible for free school meals have been sent an email with e-vouchers for both Asda and Tesco by the Vale of Glamorgan council.
“We are very happy to accept these vouchers and our Barry Superstore has redeemed a number of these in recent days.
“Unfortunately one customer this morning only had the portion of the email with the Asda e-voucher and not the Tesco e-voucher, so we were unable to accept it because it was for a different retailer.”


thedailymirror--2020-04-03--Harry Maguire asks Man Utd players to donate wages to charity

Harry Maguire has asked the entire Manchester United squad to donate 30 per cent of their wages to charity .
Manchester United captain Maguire has sent a message to all of his team mates suggesting they make the generous pledge to Manchester hospitals .
And Mirror Sport understands the players are overwhelmingly in support of the donation as they want to be seen to be doing their bit .
It comes after extensive talks between Maguire and executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward about the players making a charitable donation .
United , one of the richest clubs in the world , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a pay cut but are onboard with the desire to make a charity donation .
It comes after Premier League stars were criticised by Health Minister Matt Hancock for not “ doing their bit ” and a public backlash against players for not volunteering a pay cut .
The Professional Footballers ’ Association put out a statement on Thursday night suggesting players would take deferrals but not cuts while criticising clubs for putting staff on furlough schemes when they could afford to pay them .
That has sparked civil war in football but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scenes , have been making donations but want their money to go to charity and the NHS rather than back to wealthy Premier League teams .
Many players have already made huge five and six figure donations without wanting publicity and Maguire wants the United players to get involved and to make a strong stand .
It is understood that lots of players have donated to the charity Heroes to support the NHS and may put together a collective statement to show support after the PFA ’ s stance was criticised .

SOLSKJAER EXPLAINS HOW MAN UTD STARS ARE KEEPING SHARP WHILE IN ISOLATION
SOLSKJAER EXPLAINS HOW MAN UTD STARS ARE KEEPING SHARP WHILE IN ISOLATION
Manchester United's players have been training from home after the coronavirus pandemic called a halt to the Premier League campaign
Harry Maguire asks Man Utd players to donate 30 per cent of their wages to charity
Harry Maguire has asked the entire Manchester United squad to donate 30 per cent of their wages to charity.
Manchester United captain Maguire has sent a message to all of his team mates suggesting they make the generous pledge to Manchester hospitals.
And Mirror Sport understands the players are overwhelmingly in support of the donation as they want to be seen to be doing their bit.
It comes after extensive talks between Maguire and executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward about the players making a charitable donation.
United, one of the richest clubs in the world, do not want the players to take a pay cut but are onboard with the desire to make a charity donation.
Image: Manchester United via Getty Imag) Manchester United via Getty Imag)
It comes after Premier League stars were criticised by Health Minister Matt Hancock for not “doing their bit” and a public backlash against players for not volunteering a pay cut.
The Professional Footballers’ Association put out a statement on Thursday night suggesting players would take deferrals but not cuts while criticising clubs for putting staff on furlough schemes when they could afford to pay them.
That has sparked civil war in football but also annoyed players who, behind the scenes, have been making donations but want their money to go to charity and the NHS rather than back to wealthy Premier League teams.
Many players have already made huge five and six figure donations without wanting publicity and Maguire wants the United players to get involved and to make a strong stand.
It is understood that lots of players have donated to the charity Heroes to support the NHS and may put together a collective statement to show support after the PFA’s stance was criticised.


thedailymirror--2020-04-03--Pet owners warned cats can catch coronavirus and infect each other

A study has found cats can catch coronavirus and infect each other , just like their owners .
But it found no evidence to suggest felines could pass Covid-19 to humans .
Pet owners worried about their cats getting the nasty bug should try to protect them , experts said .
The finding prompted scientists to assure that while cats are susceptible to the deadly virus sweeping the globe , there is no reason to fear you can catch it from your furry friend .
The finding about cats being able to catch and spread the virus between one another @ @ @ @ @ @ @ study from China , the Guardian reports .
It led experts in the UK to warn anyone who is self-isolating with coronavirus symptoms and sharing their house with a cat should stay away from the pet in quarantine to shield it from catching the virus too .
The World Health Organisation states on its website that there is no evidence that a dog , cat or any pet can transmit Covid-19 to humans .
The research team behind the study , at Harbin Veterinary Research Institute in China , found that cats are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which has yet to be peer reviewed , found felines appear to be able to transmit the virus through respiratory droplets to other cats - but not humans .
And other popular pets like dogs were found to be unlikely to be able to catch the infection , according to the study .
Chickens , pigs and ducks were also not likely to be able to catch the infection , their findings added .
The study comes following reports of a pet cat in Belgium contracting the virus , which has infected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ According to reports , about a week after the cat ’ s owner started displaying Covid-19 symptoms , the feline also developed breathing difficulties , vomiting and diarrhoea .
Tests on the cat 's faeces by vets at the University of Liege then confirmed the animal was indeed infected with coronavirus .
There were also reports that a cat had tested positive for coronavirus in Hong Kong , following earlier cases in which two dogs tested weak-positive or positive during repeated tests for the virus .
The lab experiments involving a number of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ latest study from China were described in the study , which was uploaded to the preprint website bioRxiv earlier this week .
In the research , the animals that were given a high dose of the virus .
Five cats were inoculated with coronavirus , and three fo them were placed in cages next to cats that had not been given the virus .
One of the exposed cats that had not directly been given the virus also became infected , suggesting that transmission between the felines could occur via respiratory droplets , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ between humans .
Researchers were able to replicate the result in a second group of cats , as well as in ferrets .
Experts labelled the Chinese study 's findings were credible , and useful in understanding how the virus is spread as the global science community races to come up with a vaccine .
The virus is believed to have begun in a wet market in the Chinese city of humans , where the virus jumped from animals to humans .
Professor Eric Fèvre , chair of veterinary infectious diseases at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people should still take the precaution of hand-washing when they handle their pets .
He said they should avoid too much contact with their pets if they themselves are sick with the virus .
The professor added : “ It is important to add that this says nothing about how the virus coming out of a cat may or may not be infectious to humans.
” Prof Jonathan Ball , a virologist at the University of Nottingham , added that similar observations had been made about SARS , another earlier type of coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ remembered that cats are not playing much , if any , role in the spread of this virus , ” he told the newspaper .
“ Human to human transmission is clearly the main driver , so there is no need to panic about cats as an important source of virus .
Obviously , if you think you have Covid-19 and share a house with a cat , then it would be sensible to limit close interactions with your furry friend until you are better .
”

But the study that discovered our furry feline friends can catch Covid-19 uncovered no evidence that cats can pass on the deadly viral infection to people
A study has found cats can catch coronavirus and infect each other, just like their owners.
But it found no evidence to suggest felines could pass Covid-19 to humans.
Pet owners worried about their cats getting the nasty bug should try to protect them, experts said.
The finding prompted scientists to assure that while cats are susceptible to the deadly virus sweeping the globe, there is no reason to fear you can catch it from your furry friend.
The finding about cats being able to catch and spread the virus between one another has emerged this week in a new study from China, the Guardian reports.
It led experts in the UK to warn anyone who is self-isolating with coronavirus symptoms and sharing their house with a cat should stay away from the pet in quarantine to shield it from catching the virus too.
The World Health Organisation states on its website that there is no evidence that a dog, cat or any pet can transmit Covid-19 to humans.
Image: Getty Images) Getty Images)
The research team behind the study, at Harbin Veterinary Research Institute in China, found that cats are highly susceptible to Covid-19.
Their study, which has yet to be peer reviewed, found felines appear to be able to transmit the virus through respiratory droplets to other cats - but not humans.
And other popular pets like dogs were found to be unlikely to be able to catch the infection, according to the study.
Chickens, pigs and ducks were also not likely to be able to catch the infection, their findings added.
The study comes following reports of a pet cat in Belgium contracting the virus, which has infected more than a million humans worldwide.
According to reports, about a week after the cat’s owner started displaying Covid-19 symptoms, the feline also developed breathing difficulties, vomiting and diarrhoea.
Tests on the cat's faeces by vets at the University of Liege then confirmed the animal was indeed infected with coronavirus.
There were also reports that a cat had tested positive for coronavirus in Hong Kong, following earlier cases in which two dogs tested weak-positive or positive during repeated tests for the virus.
Image: Getty Images/Flickr RF) Getty Images/Flickr RF)
The lab experiments involving a number of types of animals are detailed in the latest study from China were described in the study, which was uploaded to the preprint website bioRxiv earlier this week.
In the research, the animals that were given a high dose of the virus.
Five cats were inoculated with coronavirus, and three fo them were placed in cages next to cats that had not been given the virus.
One of the exposed cats that had not directly been given the virus also became infected, suggesting that transmission between the felines could occur via respiratory droplets, as it does when the virus spreads between humans.
Researchers were able to replicate the result in a second group of cats, as well as in ferrets.
Experts labelled the Chinese study's findings were credible, and useful in understanding how the virus is spread as the global science community races to come up with a vaccine.
The virus is believed to have begun in a wet market in the Chinese city of humans, where the virus jumped from animals to humans.
Professor Eric Fèvre, chair of veterinary infectious diseases at the University of Liverpool, told the Guardian people should still take the precaution of hand-washing when they handle their pets.
He said they should avoid too much contact with their pets if they themselves are sick with the virus.
The professor added: “It is important to add that this says nothing about how the virus coming out of a cat may or may not be infectious to humans.”
Prof Jonathan Ball, a virologist at the University of Nottingham, added that similar observations had been made about SARS, another earlier type of coronavirus.
“However, it should be remembered that cats are not playing much, if any, role in the spread of this virus,” he told the newspaper.
“Human to human transmission is clearly the main driver, so there is no need to panic about cats as an important source of virus. Obviously, if you think you have Covid-19 and share a house with a cat, then it would be sensible to limit close interactions with your furry friend until you are better.”


thedailymirror--2020-04-03--Ancelotti details how long it will take for Everton stars to be ready for action

Carlo Ancelotti has claimed Premier League players will be ready to play again with a fortnight 's notice .
Top-flight football has been suspended since March 9 because of the coronavirus .
A Premier League meeting will be held today to discuss pushing back the current April 30 target for re-starting the Premier League .
Manchester City 's Kevin De Bruyne has called for the current season to be scrapped for fear of players suffering injuries on a resumption of play .
But Everton manager Ancelotti said : `` One of the important things is that all clubs re-start training @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no disparities and no-one can take advantage .
After that , it does n't matter how long the break is .
`` Players nowadays are capable of being ready in 15 days .
It is a long time to be away by a player will have no problem playing in a match after seven or eight weeks .
`` Obviously , he will not be at 100 % from the start but they are capable , there is no doubt .
All the teams will be on the same footing .
Everyone will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ added : `` Of course I miss football .
I like to coach , I like to watch matches , it is normal , But despite all this , football is not my priority at the moment .
`` In fact , I could n't care less if we are going to start again in June , July or August .
Really .
`` First of all , there are lives we have to think about today .
What counts is that the health of everyone is assured . ''
Italy is the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The former Milan , Real Madrid , Bayern Munich and PSG boss told L'Equipe : `` Of course the world will change .
It will never again be the same for the whole world .
`` It is like a war at the moment .
And it will be like after the war next . ''

The Toffees have not played a game since their 4-0 defeat to Chelsea on March 8 and there is still no sign of football returning in the near future
Carlo Ancelotti details how long it will take for Everton stars to be ready for action
Carlo Ancelotti has claimed Premier League players will be ready to play again with a fortnight's notice.
Top-flight football has been suspended since March 9 because of the coronavirus.
A Premier League meeting will be held today to discuss pushing back the current April 30 target for re-starting the Premier League.
Manchester City's Kevin De Bruyne has called for the current season to be scrapped for fear of players suffering injuries on a resumption of play.
But Everton manager Ancelotti said: "One of the important things is that all clubs re-start training at the same time so there is no disparities and no-one can take advantage. After that, it doesn't matter how long the break is.
Image: Everton FC via Getty Images) Everton FC via Getty Images)
"Players nowadays are capable of being ready in 15 days. It is a long time to be away by a player will have no problem playing in a match after seven or eight weeks.
"Obviously, he will not be at 100% from the start but they are capable, there is no doubt. All the teams will be on the same footing. Everyone will train by playing."
The Italian added: "Of course I miss football. I like to coach, I like to watch matches, it is normal, But despite all this, football is not my priority at the moment.
"In fact, I couldn't care less if we are going to start again in June, July or August. Really.
Image: PA) PA)
"First of all, there are lives we have to think about today. What counts is that the health of everyone is assured."
Italy is the European country most affected by the virus. The former Milan, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and PSG boss told L'Equipe: "Of course the world will change. It will never again be the same for the whole world.
"It is like a war at the moment. And it will be like after the war next."


thedailymirror--2020-04-03--"Brave angel" NHS nurse and mum-of-three dies from coronavirus

Aimee O'Rourke passed away at the Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother Hospital in Margate , Kent where she worked .
She was described by friends as a `` beautiful woman and valued NHS nurse '' .
Her heartbroken daughter , Megan Murphy , 23 , wrote on Facebook : `` It was us 4 against the world !
`` Now us 3 will pull together more than ever !
!
!
Look at all the lives you looked after and all the family ’ s you comforted when patients passed away.. you are an angel and you will wear your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that crown the very first day you started !
!
!
`` Your meggy misses you beyond belief.. one day when I have children of my own I will tell your grandchildren about there GG ( glamorous gran ) which you wanted to be called , every single day !
`` I can ’ t believe one day I will have to go through labour without my mummy !
!
!
`` I could go on all day long and have so many things to say but I have to be strong !
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ had kept friends and family updated as her mum 's condition worsened .
In a heartbreaking post on April 1 , she wrote : `` I can ’ t cope without you .
Please wake up !
!
`` If we lose you I can ’ t go on !
!
Know everything I do , I do for you !
`` You 're my world !
Chicks doing okay and moo is looking after us amazingly !
`` She ’ s been a star and your gon na be so proud of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' But late last night , she told how her mum had sadly died , describing her as `` my first true love and my bestfriend always . ''
She wrote : `` I have no words mummy .
Nothing I say could ever explain the feeling I ’ m feeling right now !
!
!
`` I can not wait to hold your hand again when we meet on the other side ... '' We will always be your 3 baby girls .
`` You was so brave ... your wings were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ !
!
We will look after beasty & jelly belly !
!
`` Sleep tight mummy , back with nanny now forevermore❤ '' Now a family friend has set up a GoFundMe page to raise money for Aimee 's family .
It said : `` Aimee caught the Covid-19 virus and sadly lost her fight to Coronavirus .
`` Please give as much as you can to help Aimee 's family , just as Aimee gave her life to make sure other people survived this virus . ''
Her colleague Soraya Zanders told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ blessed to have known Aimee .
`` I wanted to raise funds to gift to the family Aimee left behind .
`` No amount is gift enough for the life Aimee and her family gave .
`` Her family deserve the highest honour , as do all frontline workers .
`` They are offering their lives to save many .
I truly salute them all . ''
She added : `` Aimee cared for many patients in her time as a nurse .
She brought warmth and comfort to many . '
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at Canterbury Christ Church University .
Following her tragic death on April 2nd , friends and family clapped at 8pm in a loving tribute to the mum-of-three .
And a Facebook group has also been set up to commemorate the dedicated NHS nurse .
The group , which boasts over 900 members , has asked people to light a candle in memory of Aimee tonight .
The description reads : `` Our very own hero gained her wings last night leaving behind 3 beautiful children '' At a time where your family are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lighting a candle for Aimee at 8pm tonight all together is maybe a tiny bit of comfort '' I can ’ t express enough how much of an incredible hero we lost so let ’ s come together for her with a 8pm lighting a candle '' I ’ m so sorry for the family this is the only way I could think to send my respect . ''
Now former patients and friends have shared fond memories and tributes to Aimee on Facebook .
Colleague Lucy Page wrote : `` Every now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your life and they have the highest impact .
`` Aimee O'Rourke taught to me fight for what I believe in and gave me courage so many times to do it .
`` I was even more lucky not only to be her friend but her work colleague as well , and I can not tell how many times I saw her fighting for what was right for her patients .
`` Aimee loved all her three beautiful girls , friends and family so much and she would go to any lengths to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if you ever had a problem then she would be there before you had even put the phone down .
`` She was amazing and I am the proudest person ever to say that she was my friend !
`` Aimee I love you and not a single day will go by when I do n't think.about you .
`` You were one in a million and you are going to leave such an empty space in all our hearts forever .
Miss you already .
`` PLEASE the next time you think @ @ @ @ @ @ @ think again !
!
! ''
`` I was lucky to know her and work with her when I worked for CDU QEQM .
`` You was amazing nurse and mum sleep tight Aimee O'Rourke god bless .
Please please stay in this nasty virus is too close to home stay in . ''
A GoFundMe has been set up to support the family .

Tributes have been paid to Aimee O'Rourke who sadly lost her life to the killer bug and passed away at the Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother Hospital in Margate, Kent where she worked
A "brave angel" NHS nurse mum-of-three has died from coronavirus.
Aimee O'Rourke passed away on April 2 at the Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother Hospital in Margate, Kent, where she had also worked.
The heroic NHS worker leaves behind three young daughters, Megan, Mollie and Maddie.
She is one of two NHS nurses to die from coronavirus within 24 hours.
Earlier today Areema Nasreen, 36, also a mum of three, died in the intensive care unit in the Manor Hospital in Walsall, West Midlands, where she worked.
NHS nurse Aimee began showing coronavirus symptoms two weeks ago.
Her condition deteriorated and she was taken into intensive care at Margate's QEQM Hospital in Kent where she was put on a ventilator.
She remained in a critical condition, with family willing her to wake up, before she died yesterday.
She was described by friends as a "beautiful woman and valued NHS nurse".
Her heartbroken daughter, Megan Murphy, 23, wrote on Facebook: "It was us 4 against the world!
Image: Facebook) Facebook)
"Now us 3 will pull together more than ever!!! Look at all the lives you looked after and all the family’s you comforted when patients passed away.. you are an angel and you will wear your NHS crown forever more because you earned that crown the very first day you started!!!
"Your meggy misses you beyond belief.. one day when I have children of my own I will tell your grandchildren about there GG (glamorous gran) which you wanted to be called, every single day!
"I can’t believe one day I will have to go through labour without my mummy!!!
"I could go on all day long and have so many things to say but I have to be strong!! Night night mummy."
Megan had kept friends and family updated as her mum's condition worsened.
In a heartbreaking post on Wednesday, she wrote: "I can’t cope without you. Please wake up!!
"If we lose you I can’t go on!! Know everything I do, I do for you!
"You're my world! Chicks doing okay and moo is looking after us amazingly!
"She’s been a star and your gonna be so proud of her!! Please wake up."
But late last night, she told how her mum had sadly died, describing her as "my first true love and my bestfriend always."
She wrote: "I have no words mummy. Nothing I say could ever explain the feeling I’m feeling right now!!!
"I cannot wait to hold your hand again when we meet on the other side...
"We will always be your 3 baby girls.
"You was so brave... your wings were ready, but our hearts were not!! We will look after beasty&jelly belly!!
"Sleep tight mummy, back with nanny now forevermore❤"
Image: Facebook) Facebook)
Now a family friend has set up a GoFundMe page to raise money for Aimee's family.
It said: "Aimee caught the Covid-19 virus and sadly lost her fight to Coronavirus.
"Please give as much as you can to help Aimee's family, just as Aimee gave her life to make sure other people survived this virus."
Her colleague Soraya Zanders told the Mirror.co.uk: "We were truly blessed to have known Aimee.
"I wanted to raise funds to gift to the family Aimee left behind.
"No amount is gift enough for the life Aimee and her family gave.
"Her family deserve the highest honour, as do all frontline workers.
"They are offering their lives to save many. I truly salute them all."
She added: "Aimee cared for many patients in her time as a nurse. She brought warmth and comfort to many.'
Image: Facebook) Facebook)
The dedicated mum gained a degree in nursing at Canterbury Christ Church University.
Following her tragic death on April 2nd, friends and family clapped at 8pm in a loving tribute to the mum-of-three.
And a Facebook group has also been set up to commemorate the dedicated NHS nurse.
The group, which boasts over 900 members, has asked people to light a candle in memory of Aimee tonight.
The description reads: "Our very own hero gained her wings last night leaving behind 3 beautiful children
"At a time where your family are unable to grieve together. I felt lighting a candle for Aimee at 8pm tonight all together is maybe a tiny bit of comfort
"I can’t express enough how much of an incredible hero we lost so let’s come together for her with a 8pm lighting a candle
"I’m so sorry for the family this is the only way I could think to send my respect."
Now former patients and friends have shared fond memories and tributes to Aimee on Facebook.
Colleague Lucy Page wrote: "Every now and again special people come in to your life and they have the highest impact.
"Aimee O'Rourke taught to me fight for what I believe in and gave me courage so many times to do it.
"I was even more lucky not only to be her friend but her work colleague as well, and I cannot tell how many times I saw her fighting for what was right for her patients.
"Aimee loved all her three beautiful girls, friends and family so much and she would go to any lengths to protect them.
"You knew that if you ever had a problem then she would be there before you had even put the phone down.
"She was amazing and I am the proudest person ever to say that she was my friend!
"Aimee I love you and not a single day will go by when I don't think.about you.
"You were one in a million and you are going to leave such an empty space in all our hearts forever. Miss you already.
"PLEASE the next time you think about going out or meeting people unnecessarily.. think again!!!"
And friend Leah Sansom added: Yesterday heaven gained a beautiful young lady .
"I was lucky to know her and work with her when I worked for CDU QEQM .
"You was amazing nurse and mum sleep tight Aimee O'Rourke god bless.
"Please please stay in this nasty virus is too close to home stay in."
A GoFundMe has been set up to support the family.