Family's heartache after Luton man and his brother die after suffering Covid-19 within 9 days of each other

Now, family members are urging other people to stick rigidly to government guidelines and do not give in to temptation and visit loved ones.

The three brothers, Osi, Olume and Isi Ivowe were incredibly close and in "constant contact," they say.

Olume, 46, from Luton, was the first to become ill, followed by 38-year-old Isi who had Downs Syndrome and lived in sheltered accommodation.

The pair sadly died just nine days apart.

Olume and Isi had been in "constant contact" with each other, say the family.

Older brother Osi Ivowi and three other members of the extended family also caught the killer bug but thankfully survived.

Osi, who also lives in Milton Keynes, has been left "devastated" at what happened and is planning a tragic double funeral for his brothers this month - but attendance will be strictly limited due to lockdown restrictions to prevent further infection.

A online fundraising drive has now been launched to provide help for Olume's widow Juanetta and the couple's three-year-old daughter Mireille. already the poignant appeal has raised £10,000.

The brothers' elder sister Ida Ivowi said: “We are a very close family and as you can imagine, this has hit us all incredibly hard but we are determined to celebrate the lives of our brothers and focus on moving forward together as a family.

“It was my birthday this week and we all met up online to remember our lost ones and support Olume ‘s widow but we also think it’s important to celebrate life in the now. What has happened to us, demonstrates how fragile life is and how we have to remember to appreciate each other and find the joy every day because we never know what is around the corner.”

Ida added: "The family would like to urge the public to adhere to all government guidelines to stay home and stay safe to avoid further spread of this virus and would also like to thank all the medical personnel in the front lines for their dedication... The family joins the world in thanking them for their service.”

Family friend Ayo Ilawole set up one of the GoFundMe appeals and she said: "The Ivowi family are like my second family and I have known all the siblings since I was seven years old which is why I wanted to help in any way I could.

"Their late mother was my brother’s godmother and indeed Olume was my brother’s best friend. He feels lost and in shock.

"I am so saddened by what Covid-19 has done to this family. They don’t deserve this. They are such a good family. Very close, loving and humble.”

You can find the fundraising pages here and here.