Tragedy for family as devoted Ribble Valley couple die of Covid-19 nine days apart

Retired nurse, Christine Ann McEwan (nee Hindle), who dedicated almost 40 years of her life to the NHS, died on January 4th, aged 71. Nine days later, on January 12th, her husband, David Walter McEwan lost his life to Covid-19, aged 72. Both died at Royal Blackburn Hospital.

The family has been left devastated by the double coronavirus tragedy. Paying tribute, heartbroken son, Alastair McEwan, said: "They will both be sadly missed by all their family, friends and ex-work colleagues. They may be gone, but will never be forgotten."

Described as a "caring" and "fantastic" nurse, Christine was born in Accrington. She became a cadet nurse in 1965, aged 16 after developing a passion to work in nursing at a young age. Christine dedicated almost 40 years of her life to the NHS and after completing her training, she worked in the A&E at Blackburn Royal Infirmary as a nurse. She also worked as a junior sister on Ward 7, before becoming a district midwife. In her final position with the NHS, Christine became a community family planning nurse for Blackburn with Darwen and the Ribble Valley until she retired from the health service in 2004. After retirement from the NHS, Christine completed her magistrate training for adult and youth courts in Blackburn and Hydnburn, acting as a magistrate for 16 years before retiring in April 2020.

Christine was also a school governor at St Leonard's C of E School in Langho and a very active member of St Leonard's Church in Langho.

David was born and brought up in Davenport Terrace, Blackburn. He attended St Peter's School in Blackburn and worked at Cherry Tree Machine company before joining BAE Systems as an aircraft fitter, retiring in 2003.

David and Christine met in 1996 and went walking on their first date. They married in May 2012, making their home in Langho.

A much-loved and dedicated member of Langho in Bloom, David enjoyed sprucing up his community grounds by litter picking, especially around the Langho and Brockhall circuit. In fact, a couple of years ago he was moved to tears when presented with a gold litter picker award from some of the residents of Brockhall.

Deeply saddened by the deaths, a spokesman for Langho in Bloom, said: "The news is still sinking in for us all, for not only have we lost a cherished member of our group, but we have also lost a dear friend and true gentleman. Please keep the families of David and Christine in your thoughts."

A private funeral service was held for Christine last Thursday (January 21st), while David's funeral will take place on Friday at St Leonard's Church in Langho, followed by burial at Pleasington Cemetery.

The couple are survived by their children Alastair, Natalie and Nicola and grandchildren Rebecca, Riona, George, Joshua and Amy.