The devastated family of a fit and healthy postman who died from Covid-19 aged 55 is urging everyone to take the infection extremely seriously.

Dad-of-three Tony James delivered mail to hundreds of homes in the Upper and Lower Hardes and Nackington area for 25 years where he was hugely popular with residents and described by work colleagues as "one of life's good guys".

After contracting coronavirus shortly before Christmas, he was at the end of his isolation period and apparently recovering but then took turn for the worse.

Struggling to breathe, he was rushed to the QEQM at Margate in an ambulance at 2.30am where he lost his fight for life in intensive care on January 19.

His sister-in-law Pam James says his death has left the family heartbroken, including his wife Donna, two sons Russell and George and daughter, Katie.

"Tony did have cancer a few years ago but he was completely clear of that and was probably the fittest of all us, having spent so many years walking the streets delivering the post. And yet Covid still took him.

"Everyone needs to take this infection extremely seriously. Quite frankly, I feel like slapping those conspiracy theorists who say it's not a real thing or others who say it only affects the elderly and sick.

"Donna and I, who both had recovered from Covid, were able to be with him when he passed which was very harrowing.

"Nobody can afford to drop their guard because we are seeing more and more younger people succumbing to this awful infection."

Tony, who was a Queen music fan and Reading football club supporter, had worked for the Royal Mail for more than 40 years.

His line manager at the Canterbury sorting office, Stewart Reed said his colleagues were shocked and saddened by his sudden death.

"When I last spoke to Tony he appeared to be on the mend and we were talking about his gradual return to work, so it came as a huge shock.

"Tony was truly a lovely man. He always had time to stop and chat"

"He was just one of life's good guys and simply a very nice person who no one had bad word to say about.

"He was very popular with his work colleagues and the customers he served for so many years.

"Our thoughts are with his family and we are planning a gathering to give him a round of applause when there is a drive-by at the sorting office on his way to his funeral.

Now a Just Giving page has been set up to help support his family which has already almost £6,000 from 158 supporters, smashing its £500 target.

It was set up by Sean Bone-Knell from Lower Hardres who said: "Tony was truly a lovely man. He always had time to stop and chat and knew nearly everyone on first name terms.

"As a community many people have asked if they can leave a message and donate to help Tony's family through this difficult time."

To make a donation click here.

His funeral is still be arranged but will be for close family only due to Covid restrictions on gatherings.

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