THE family of a well-known Wellington couple have been left devastated after both died of Covid-19 within hours of each other – and 40 miles apart in different hospitals.

Lee, 77, and Cynthia Bryant, 75, who lived at Buckwell, were childhood sweethearts and were married for 56 years.

“We could not have had better parents,” said one of their two sons, Kevin. “They were inseparable and went everywhere together. They were lovely and role models. Their family was everything to them.

“We never saw this coming. They were very much switched-on grandparents who regularly attended football matches to watch their grandchildren play.”

The couple were struck down with the disease last month. Cynthia was the first to be taken to Musgrove Park Hospital with the illness and Lee fell ill five days later and was also admitted to the Taunton hospital.

Ironically, Lee was moved to Southmead Hospital in Bristol because he was improving and doctors felt he was well enough to travel.

Kevin added: “Mum died at 6.15pm on Friday, January 22, and dad died at 1.15am the following morning.

“Doctors felt they had to tell dad about mum and for a while he showed some improvement but then took a turn for the worst. As you can imagine, we’re all still shocked.”

Lee played football for Wellington but retired at a very young age to bring up a family. He picked up an ankle injury and did not want to be off work because of it.

He and Cynthia had two sons – Kevin and Darren, who both went on to play football for Wellington – and they had five grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

The grandchildren are Luke, Sam, Conor and Jack – who all played for Wellington in the same team, which is unique – and Emily.

Lee and Cynthia will be cremated together at Taunton Deane Crematorium next Wednesday (February 10).