A father of two is being remembered by his family after losing his fight against Covid-19 at the age of 58 just weeks after losing his mum to the infection.

Stephen Pashley, a dementia and Alzheimer's carer from Nansen Road in Gravesend, was loved greatly by his family.

He passed away on Tuesday, December, 29, after contracting Covid pneumonia.

The virus caused his blood to turn toxic due to lack of oxygen and as a result, his organs failed.

Stephen had been a credit controller but decided to change his career last summer.

His daughter, Rebekah, a 26-year-old learning support assistant at Thamesview School in Gravesend, said: "Dad spent about a week on a ward at Darent Valley Hospital before being taken to the ICU.

"He was put into an induced coma on a ventilator with 100% oxygen. He fought harder than I've ever seen him fight."

Stephen had a huge love for wolves and one of his last trips before lockdown was to feed the animals at Port Lympne Safari Park with his youngest daughter Sophie, 19.

She said: "I am so glad we got to do that final trip together. I plan to travel the world for him.

"We'd discussed that if he ever couldn't travel, I would. Hopefully in May I'm travelling to South Africa. I was also hoping to be able to take him for his 60th birthday, but unfortunately that won't happen."

Stephen was also known for his love of old comedies and often watched sitcoms with Rebekah, sharing laughs between them.

Rebekah said: "Dad had a collection of comedy box sets. His distinctive laugh and mischievous humour will be remembered forever.

"As myself, my fiancé Jack Cheshire, and Sophie all lived with dad, he and my partner binged The Walking Dead series together during the lockdown.

"Dad really enjoyed their bonding time. We're devastated that he won't be able to walk me down the isle at our wedding in 2022."

Stephen also had a very close bond with his cat, Pebbles, and spent many nights sharing the sofa with his moggy.

Rebekah's mum, Miriam Pashley, 48, said: "I knew Steve for nearly 40 years of my life. We made many happy memories. Steve was extremely proud of our daughters, as am I.

"The loss of Steve has left me heartbroken and he will forever hold a special place in my heart."

The Pashley family have had a tough couple of months. Stephen's mum, Margaret, died on Thursday, December, 3, also after contracting Covid-19.

His sister, Karen Marchant, also caught the virus but is now slowly recovering.

Stephen was loved greatly by his family and was described as like a second father to his niece, Emma Marchant.

Rebekah said: "Dad spent his whole life making other people happy.

"I haven't come into contact with someone that didn't like him.

"He was the best dad anyone could ever wish for and everyone who knew him is beyond gutted."

Stephen's family hope to get small matching tattoos in tribute to a much-loved friend and father.

Did you know Stephen Pashley? You are invited to leave your tributes below.

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