TRIBUTES have flooded in for a 39-year-old father-of-two from Carlisle who has died after contracting Covid-19.

Hundreds of people took to social media yesterday to express their shock and upset at the death on Saturday of Michael Wilson, who was an electrician with the NHS trust in charge of Carlisle’s Cumberland Infirmary.

Mr Wilson was part of the trust’s estates team, based at the Carleton Clinic in the city. His colleagues paid an emotional tribute.

Their poignant statement said: “There are no words sufficient to describe our loss.

“However, we wanted to express the high regard and esteem Michael was held in by his colleagues and wider staff within the trust.

“Michael was known to be a most generous-spirited man who was kind, cheerful and always there to support those around him.

"His professionalism and character were such a positive asset to our local NHS. He was a fully valued member of the team and will be very sadly missed by all his colleagues and those he knew.

“Our thoughts are with his wife Kimberley, his two children Harry, 12 and Arabella, 7, and their family and friends.”

Mr Wilson is among 29 Covid patients at the trust whose deaths have been reported since January 1.

On the News & Star’s Facebook page, more than 270 people posted tributes, including:

n “Heartbreaking. There are no words to describe the loss of this lovely young man. All our thoughts love and prayers are with his beautiful wife Kimberley and children Harry and Arabella .” Sandra Hartley

* “Absolutely top man. Words can’t say what a loss he will be to his family.” Ian Wrightson

* “You were such a nice guy.” Nicola Clark

* “A really top bloke whose death is being felt far and wide in this city from the NHS, trade community, and football circles.”Graeme Michael Lewis

* “An absolute gent of a bloke.” James Sandham.

* “Very sad news. Maybe some of the idiots and deniers in Cumbria who react to Covid posts with laughing emojis will start taking this seriously.” Adrian Strand.

* "So gutted to hear about Michael. He was indeed a lovely guy, my thoughts are with all his family." Liz Burns.

* "For all those people out there who still thinks all of this is a conspiracy theory.. just read this! Truly heartbreaking." Julie Eleanor Southward.

In just a few hours, more than 370 people posted tributes and messages of sympathy for Mr Wilson and his family on the News & Star's Facebook page. His colleagues are currently compiling a book of condolence for his family.