Leeds brothers' devastation as both their parents die from Covid just 12 days apart

Childhood sweethearts Martyn and Tina Rodgers, both 58, were admitted to hospital in December 2020.

Martyn - a very popular Leeds Rhinos mega-fan - was taken to St James' Hospital in Leeds on December 19 after feeling unwell.

Just two days later, Tina - who was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis 12 years ago - was also admitted to the hospital after having difficulty breathing.

Both Martyn and Tina - who had been married for more than 25 years and lived in Cottingley, Leeds - tested positive for Covid-19, their sons Craig, 33, and Andy, 25, told the Yorkshire Evening Post.

In an emotional tribute, the brothers said their world fell apart as their parents' health deteriorated.

Tina tragically passed away on January 2, having spent Christmas and New Year in hospital.

Martyn was given the devastating news that she had passed away as he too battled against the condition.

However, Martyn sadly also died just 12 days later on January 14.

They will both now be remembered at a joint funeral on the same day in February.

For brothers Craig and Andy, the loss of their parents so suddenly has had a huge impact.

Craig told the YEP: "They were childhood sweethearts.

"We knew with my mum's health it was a ticking time bomb but it was so hard to take.

"We can't believe it."

Craig said his parents had been married for more than 25 years after falling in love as children.

Both Martyn and Tina lived in Leeds for their entire lives.

Martyn was a huge Leeds Rhinos fan and long-term season ticket holder with Craig.

Both were very well known by supporters who have been left shocked by the news of their passing.

Craig told how his parents' health deteriorated in December.

He said: "Dad was admitted to hospital on December 19.

"On the Sunday of that week, I was doing mum's usual healthcare and noticed she was having difficulty breathing.

"On December 21, mum was admitted to hospital too and joined Dad in there."

The sons' said the compassion shown by the doctors and nurses at the hospital was incredible.

Craig said: "They showed such compassion.

"I can't say enough about how much they helped them in there."

However, despite the best efforts of medical staff, both Martyn and Tina continued to deteriorate before they sadly passed away.

Craig explained: "Mum passed away on January 2.

"When we went in to see dad, I just knew something was not right."

Andy was also allowed to visit his dad.

Together with his partner he said he was told there was little more that could be done and his dad would need to be sedated.

Andy said: "They just couldn't do anything else."

Martyn tragically passed away on January 14.

Craig bravely spoke to the Yorkshire Evening Post to raise awareness for the real stories behind the horrific virus.

He admitted that watching death statistics on the news "didn't seem real".

But he added: "You hear it on the news but you don't believe it.

"It is so hard, it has happened to us."

A funeral will take place in February for Martyn and Tina - with a service just an hour apart on the same day.

Craig said: "Mum and dad were the life and soul of the party.

"Dad absolutely loved the rugby.

"My mum got dragged there with him sometimes!

"They were childhood sweethearts and had always lived in Leeds."

Craig praised all of the medical staff who looked after his parents in hospital.

He also wanted to thank Leeds Rhinos for their compassion in transferring Martyn's season ticket to his brother - who will now support the team alongside his brother in his "dad's legacy".

More than 730 people have now died from Covid in Leeds since the pandemic began.

The brothers' tragic story highlights the impact behind the numbers, with Craig and Andy courageously sharing their story in the hope more people will follow the rules and understand the reality of Covid.

A GoFundMe fundraising page has been set up to support the brothers.

An original target of £300 has been smashed, with more than £700 raised towards funeral costs in just days.

To visit the fundraising page, click here.

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