A WOMAN who lost her father to coronavirus believes that nearby garden fires contributed to his death.

Nicole Williams from Eastham, is urging residents to follow government guidelines and refrain from lighting fires and barbecues in back gardens during the lockdown period.

David Alexander Williams from Bromborough died in Arrowe Park Hospital on March 30, aged 79, after contracting Covid-19. He had previously fought off two cancers.

Wirral Globe: David Williams with one of his grandchildrenDavid Williams with one of his grandchildren

Miss Williams said: "I believe that garden smoke by his home near the Brookhurst estate in Bromborough contributed to his death.

"My 11-year-old daughter was also severely affected by smoke from Bridle Road allotments as she tried to fight off the virus at our home.

"The government guidelines are for people with symptoms of Covid-19 to stay home with windows open and manage their fever with paracetamol unless they get breathing problems, when they must call the NHS.

"You or your family or neighbours could have to do this at any point over the coming months and I sincerely hope you won't suffer as we did due to thoughtless neighbours making garden smoke.

"Please please, I beg of you, do not make smoke as we fight this deadly respiratory virus."

Mr Williams had no history of asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Wirral Globe: David Williams enjoying time with his whole familyDavid Williams enjoying time with his whole family

From the age of 16 he was an active volunteer in the community, visiting isolated elderly people every week for the Saint Vincent De Paul Society (SVP).

After retiring from Royal Insurance he dedicated his life to the SVP, also working nationally and internationally and with the Vatican.

He played the piano and ran singalongs at community events and fundraisers around Eastham and Bromborough and had played professionally at The Adelphi, Crabwall Manor, Mollington Banastre, and, most recently, Mondays at the Floral Pavilion, New Brighton.

His own mother lived until she was almost 103, but he leaves behind wife Henriette, children Nicole, Richard, Colette and Paul, and grandchildren Anastasia, Soraya, Giselle and Camille (Mimi).