A HEARTBROKEN widow has spoken of how she was unable to say a final goodbye to her husband, before he was taken by coronavirus.

Susan Dell kissed husband John as he was taken from their East Cowes home by ambulance — with the crew kitted out in protective clothing — in the very early days of the outbreak.

He died soon after, on March 25. Susan had been called by the hospital to go in and see him, but before she had a chance to leave home, he had died.

The couple had been self-isolating for two weeks already — long before the government advice to on March 23.

They both had health problems and John, 79, was Susan's main carer, looking after her and cooking all their meals.

They had worked together as courier drivers for the banks, and spent their retirement together virtually 24/7.

Susan said: "When he went into hospital I thought it was an infection or his diabetes.

"When I kissed him goodbye I thought he would be out in a couple of days.

"Nothing was said about the virus and at first I didn't know he was in intensive care.

"The doctor phoned to say John might not make it through the night. I just screamed and said I wanted him home.

"He made it through the night and it sounded like he was improving.

"Then they rang to say hurry up and get here, but then they rang back to say he had passed away. I never saw him. It was quite awful.

"I don't know where he got the virus from, unless he picked it up when he was in A&E a few days before, after a fall.

"He was a lovely good-hearted man, who loved reading and taking our dog Elfie out for a walk, on his mobility scooter."

Mr Dell leaves behind son Andrew, daughter Julie, step-children Emma and Stephen, grandchildren and a great granddaughter, plus nephew Robert.