'Outpouring of love' for former Mayor of Hedon who died after contracting coronavirus

East Riding councillor Mike Bryan died in Castle Hill Hospital on Saturday, where he had been since February 3.

Son Jason Bryan said his father had been on the road to recovery, but contracted coronavirus on the ward, where he died two days later.

His family had been keeping in contact via video conferencing, but had been unable to visit him in recent weeks.

Councillor Bryan had a well-known tool and small plant hire business until he retired five years ago and had served as the town's Mayor for two one-year terms, before being asked to stand as an East Riding councillor.

"It's really heartbreaking what's happened because he was getting better and for many weeks we were under the impression the nurses were being tested and he would never get the virus because it was the most secure place he might be," said Mr Bryan.

"It would have had to be something epic to knock down my father, he was such a fighter. The things he's been through with his health in the last few years.

"We are just so inspired by his bravery in this situation. It was just so frustrating that he was not able to come home.

"We always talked about how he would come home and spend time together in the garden.

"He was born in Hedon, he came from a poor family where he had to build his own bike and share a bed with his brothers.

"He worked up to become Mayor of the town and then was asked to be a councillor. The outpouring of love for him in this town has been incredible."

Mr Bryan said the NHS were "doing an amazing job" and had looked after his father very well.

He said: "In terms of a message I would say people do whatever they can to support the NHS. They should do it and find ways to contribute to that."

Friend and fellow ward councillor John Dennis said: "I knew him as a client, pal and member of the British Legion for a pint or two or three.

"He always had time for people, for residents with their problems.

"And he had a saying that if he couldn't personally sort something out 'I know a man who can'

"He was everybody's friend - I never heard him say a bad word about anybody - and I never heard anyone say a bad word about him."