A huge convoy of wagons paraded through villages in honour of a young Dad who died with Covid-19 at the age of 34.
Vehicles of all shapes and sizes paraded through Tarleton and Hesketh Bank last night in a poignant and emotional Clap For Carers.
A number of trucks in the Tarleton and Hesketh Bank Community Convoy Group were emblazoned with banners dedicated to Alex Lennie, a former Tarleton Academy pupil who “would do anything” for his daughter and had a “heart of gold”.
A JustGiving page in his memory has already raised more than £8,000.
Speaking on the page, his friend Bradley Darnell said: “We want to raise as much money as possible for the death of a man who has a heart of gold. Alex Lennie was 34 years old with a beautiful girl Belle he was a fit and healthy man who sadly passed away with Covid-19 he was fighting really hard to get through it but sadly we lost him on the 18th April 2020 also we want to thank our amazing nurses doctor and specialist team for trying your best to get him through this virus.
Vehicles in the Tarleton and Hesketh Bank Community Convoy Group p;araded through the two villages during Clap For Carers night in honour of young Dad Alex Lennie, who died with coronavirus aged 34. Photo by Alan Walker
“Please please just put in a couple of pennies to go with the family and treat his amazing daughter with a holiday or new toys as that is what Alex would love to do. Alex we love you.”
Alex died on Saturday at Royal Liverpool Hospital after falling ill about two weeks ago.
He had no underlying health conditions and was “fit and healthy,” his friend Bradley Darnell said.
“He was fighting really hard to get through it but sadly we lost him,” he added.
Vehicles in the Tarleton and Hesketh Bank Community Convoy Group p;araded through the two villages during Clap For Carers night in honour of young Dad Alex Lennie, who died with coronavirus aged 34. Photo by Alan Walker
Bradley, who has been working at Southport Hospital since the start of the pandemic to do deep cleans of the coronavirus wards, said he last heard from Alex two weeks before his death.
He told the Liverpool Echo: “He messaged me two weeks ago and said don’t go into work because I’m on 60% oxygen in the Royal with this horrible illness.
“I thought he was messing. I said you what and he sent me a selfie of himself on oxygen.
“I didn’t speak to him after that but his brother sent me updates everyday on how he was doing.”
Vehicles in the Tarleton and Hesketh Bank Community Convoy Group p;araded through the two villages during Clap For Carers night in honour of young Dad Alex Lennie, who died with coronavirus aged 34. Photo by Alan Walker
Tarleton Academy said: “We are truly saddened to hear the news that Alex Lennie, one of our alumni, lost his battle against the coronavirus.
“We remember Alex as a young man with a great sense of humour and a big heart.
“To Alex’s family and friends, we offer our warmest condolences; we are deeply sorry for your loss.
“Please know we are thinking of you during this difficult time and where we are if you need us. Take care…”
Vehicles in the Tarleton and Hesketh Bank Community Convoy Group p;araded through the two villages during Clap For Carers night in honour of young Dad Alex Lennie, who died with coronavirus aged 34. Photo by Alan Walker
Tarleton and Hesketh Bank Community Convoy now takes place every Thursday evening at 8pm, during the NHS appreciation clap and sees local businesses join forces to convoy through Tarleton to Hesketh Bank.
A spokesman for the group said: “The whole idea is to promote and thank our nurses, carers and key workers in our community and indeed nationwide. In doing this we also hope to encourage and bring together one another in these uncertain times.
“We thank those who have already participated and hope that you will continue to join us in the coming weeks.
“If you’re a local key worker business ie haulier, farmer, tradesmen, grower / produce, services and would like to get involved, please message the Tarleton and Hesketh Bank Community Convoy page and we can pass on further information and keep you updated through here.”
Vehicles in the Tarleton and Hesketh Bank Community Convoy Group p;araded through the two villages during Clap For Carers night in honour of young Dad Alex Lennie, who died with coronavirus aged 34. Photo by Alan Walker
They added that maintaining social distancing measures are essential:
“As a community we’re sure you would agree we aim to uphold our need and responsibility to stay safe and abide by the guidelines behind us all currently staying at home. Therefore we are asking…
“Please DO NOT turn up to the convoy unannounced. This convoy is for the local key worker businesses of Hesketh Bank and Tarleton only.
“We appreciate that there are many businesses wanting to get involved however, if you have not spoken with us directly then please do not attend. We want this Community Convoy to continue and have to control the number of vehicles each week to manage traffic safely – so unfortunately anyone who turns up announced will be turned away.
Vehicles in the Tarleton and Hesketh Bank Community Convoy Group p;araded through the two villages during Clap For Carers night in honour of young Dad Alex Lennie, who died with coronavirus aged 34. Photo by Alan Walker
“We are working hard organising this event and want to keep it about the NHS and our local key workers, applauding this work.
“Also we’d like to remind local spectators to adhere to the social distancing measures in place so this event can continue in a safe manner each week.”
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